The Scene in the Harbour.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVI, Issue XXIV, 15 June 1901, Page 53 (Supplement)

The Scene in the Harbour.

The wharf. and the shipping in port were gav with many-coloured bunting; the flag-lockers of both warships and merchant craft were ransacked for every available bit of coloured cloth to .“dress ship” in the orthodox maritime fashion. The six war vessels of the Australasian squadron in port were anchored in mid-stream, the line extending from a point directly opposite the Queen-street wharf down to the vicinity of the Calliope Dock. • The steamers’ display in honour of the Royal visit gave a very picturesque effect to the scene on the Waitemata as the long-looked-for Sailor Duke's great yacht steamed in majestic state up to the wharf. In all there were twenty-four coastal steamers, including ail the available vessels of the Northern S.S. Co., Devonport Ferry CO.. Coastal Steamship Co., and McGregor Steamship Co. fleets. Crowded with excursionists, they made a brilliant show as they busily screwed or paddled their way down the harbour. THE FLEET’S SALUTE TO THE DUKE.

Shortly before ten o’clock the big white Royal yacht Ophir lifted her anchors and, followed by her escort, H.M.s. St. George and H.M.s. Juno, steamed straight up the harbour. Very impressive was the salute of the Australian Squadron to the King’s son, ■who holds Admiral’s rank in the Navy. As the Ophir, the gorgeous Royal Standard flying at the main, the Trinity House flag at the fore, and the .White Ensign at the stern, moved up towards the fleet, it was seen that the “Sons of the Sea” were all in readiness to greet Royalty in true naval style.

Firing parties were ready at the guns, and the masted ships observed the fine ol<j custom of “manning the yards.” At a few minutes after ten the Royal Salute began. A bugle pealed on the Royal Arthur, where Rear-Admiral Beaumont hoisted his flag, a signal was run up. and the first gun of the salute boomed out from the flagship's black side. Each ship took up the firing, and each fired 21 guns, the customary naval tribute to Royalty. The bluejackets the order of "Manyards’ swarmed up the rigging of the Pylades. Penguin and Torch, and from the lower top gallant yards rows of active sailor men were soon standing at arm's length from each other.' The big guns, loaded with blank, thundered, out their .welcome to the son of King Edward, while wreaths of snfoke burst from the ships' sides a second 'before the reports were heard on.the Queen-street Wharf, and soon enveloped the more distant vessels of the fleet in a thick haze. But by-and-bye, when the “Cease fire” was sounded, and the fresh breeze swept' away the smoke pall, the Ophir came into the view of the wharf spectators, steaming up'past the northern shore, on the further side of the squadron. Thencame on the breeze the loyal roars of the British tarsi as each ship cheered with stentorian ‘-voice their future Sovereign and • Ids 11 Princess. The blue jackets perched away? up aloft “amongst the branches”.waved their caps and hurra'd in lusty unison with their comrades lined up around the bulwarks below. Officers in all the splendour of gold lace, epaulettes and glittering swords were on the quarter-decks, and the Royal -Marines, in full dress uniforms, were drawn up in lines' on the big flagship's deek. Cheer after cheer came from the hundreds of hardy bluejackets, and then ns the Ophir steamed rapidly and silently on past the long line of warships the Royal Arthur’s band took up the salute to Royalty, and every sailor's hand was raised to his eap as the band played "God Save the. King.” The naval salute over, the spectators on the wharves gave vent to their loyal feelings and loudly cheered the oncoming Royal yacht.