The Duke of York in Melbourne.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVI, Issue XXI, 25 May 1901, Page 991

The Duke of York in Melbourne.

A GOVERNMENT HOUSE RECEPTION. The following account, from the “Age,” of the reception at Government. House, Melbourne, on the occasion of the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York will lie found Interesting to our readers, and may afford some hints-as to the character of such functions which may be useful in view of the Royal reception to be held here: —■ A more brilliant gathering than that which assembled last night at Government House to meet their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York could hardly be imagined. The ballroom itself would not have been large enough to accommodate the number of guests who accepted invitations, and even with the addition of the extensive pavilion which has been built with the object of enlarging the ballroom accommodation, all the available space was occupied. The pavilion is a very handsome addition to the building, and the fountain sparkling in the centre of the floor lends to the room a particularly charming appearance. An exit has been made at the side of the pavilion looking out over the gardens and the river to the illuminations of the city, and no guest at last night’s reception could fail to have been impressed with the panorama which was presented. All other impressions as one entered the ballroom were lost in the sense of the vastness and brilliancy of the gathering. Already the ballroom seemed to be filled with people, and yet there were, it seemed, miles of carriages outside, stretching to Government House gates and far along St. Kilda Road. The band in the gallery was playing a dreamy waltz, and the hum of conversation seemed to rise and fall in cadences with the music. What a host of people In strange uniforms there was! That man with the scarlet coat and b multitude of medals and n hngr cocked hit under his arm was evidently a German officer of mas

in*. The distinguished looking gentleman beyond, with bis blue and gold uniform, gleaming with many decorations, some of them representing very high orders, was the captain of the Russian warship in port. Those on the other side of the Mayor of Melbourne were officers of the United States cruiser. Some of those' men in court uniforms were- the Premiers who were made* Privy Councillors on the <>c< -axion of the late Queen's Diamond Jubilee. One might stand and look at t.he striking costumes of the men with interest, but it was the dresses of the ladies that attracted most attention. The absence of bright colours was a conspicuous feature of the dresses, but it could not be said that they were any the less beautiful or less becoming on that account. Black was the predominant colour, if it may be so called, but the presence of so many officials, distinguished people and military and naval officers in uniform rendered the scene one of surpassing brilliance. Nearly all tho Consuls were present, anil among other representatives of foreign Powers were officers from all tb< warships. Captain Van den Bosch, Admiral Remey. Admiral Kirehoff, and the comma tiding officers from the vessels of the Australian squadron were also prominent figures. All the Governors of the Australian States were present with their wives. The gathering also included Mr Barton and the members of the Federal Cabinet, as well as Sir John Madden, the Lieuten-ant-Governor. and Lady Madden. His Royal Highness and the Duchess were, of course, the cynosure of all eyes. (>n entering the ball-room thev were preceded by the Royal suite, staff and several of the guests in the following order: — Captain Wallington and Major Willoughby. Mr Warren Dodds ami Mr H. Dodds, staff of the Administrator of Tasmania. Fing-Lieut. Pratt-Barlow and the secretary to the Admiral. The private secretary and aide-de-camp to the Governor of Western Australia.

Ixrd Richard Nevill and Captain Paseoc Stuart.

Captain Madden and Captain Valia nge. Mr Sydney P. Hall and Dr. Manby. Chevalier E. de Martino, M.V.0., and Major Byron. The Duke of Roxburgh ;ind Viscount Crichton, A.'».D.C.. Major J. H. Bor, A.D.C., and Commander Godfrey Faussett Commander A. L. Winsloe and Sir Donald Walla, e. Sir John Anderson and Canon Dalton. The Hon. Derek Keppel and Sir Chas. Cunt. Sir Arthur Bigge and Lord Wenloek. Mrs Derek Keppel and Lady Catherine Coke. l.ady Mary Lygon ami Her Serene Highness the Princess of Teek. Sir John Dodds and Admiral Beaumont. Ixrrd and Lady Tennyson. Sir John and i-ady Madden. The Governor-General and Hopetoun. Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York. The Royal visitors, after entering, walked to the end of the hull and then round on either side bowing to the guests. They then proceeded to the pavilion, where several ladies and gentlemen were presented to them. The presentations were apparently made without any prearrangement, but owing to the large crowd of people standing round only a few of those who happened to be near His Royal Highness at the time could sec who were the honoured guests. It was obviously impossible for the Duke and Duchess to make the personal acquaintance of everyone present, and the presentations were evidently made so as not leave the impression that invidious distinctions were being drawn. His Royal Highness spoke to Professor Morris concerning the ad eundeni degree, of which he is to be the recipient, nt the University on Saturday. Her Royal Highness, who was dressed in black, and wearing a magnificent diamond collar and coronet, conversed freely with a number of guests. At eleven o’clock the Royal party took their departure, and the other guests left as soon as they could secure their carriages.