Reception Platform.

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

Reception Platform.

The scene from the reception platform was a truly magnificent one. As far as the eye eould sweep the buildings of the eity could be seen flags on all points. On all sides were the eager happy faces of the immense but goodhumoured crowd that had waited ;m»tiently in some instances for hours to see the Royal visitors and had occupied every possible position from which a clear view was obtainable, whether perched on verandahs or on roof-tops; and as far as one could see bunting was displayed profusely from almost every building. The reception platform began to fill up early, and though it presented a somewhat sombre appearance it was quite relieved by the gaiety of the surrounding scene. To the left was the Harbour Board's “ghthouse arch, causing the imaginative to reflect on the greatness of our sea power, and through the arch was seen a blaze «f colour, as: the eye ran along the lines of flags. From the arch eastward, and parallel to the platform, stretched a wall of people, packed on the sidewalks. hanging to sign-boards or standing on walls. Near the arch was the Harbour Board's platform, filled with members of the Board and its employees, aud opposite to the reception platform rose the public structure, packed with humanity, while between the hanging festoons and the fluttering flags gave the requisite colour to a memorable scene. Behind the platform rose another living wall, behind that a few feet of building, ami then an irregular fringe of spectators crowding the edge of the parapets. A glance up Queen-street revealed a blaze of colour softened with, green and sombred again by crowded thousands, lu gradations of colour one saw flags on top. greenery next, aud multitudes below, the whole blending perfectly into a magnificent scene. The Royal enclosure on the platform presented a tine appearance, the furnishing and decorating being in the hands of the Tonson Garlick Co., Ltd. The steps leading to the dais were covered with carpet, the inside rails were painted light blue, and the handrail red. The floor of the enclosure was covered with crimson, and the furniture consisted of handsome occasional chairs draped with silk flags specially imported for the occasion. A number of the occasional chairs were artistically shaped cane work, while others were heavily upholstered in crimson and green plush. Shortly after one o'clock His Worship the Mayor. Dr. L. Logan l ampbell, arrived, accompanied by Mrs Campbell, Miss Fodor, of Dunedin, and Mrs Huchinson, guests of Dr. Campbell, at Killbride. The arrival of Auckland's popidar Mayor was welcomed with prolonged cheering.

which was renewed as Dr. Campbell, iu his robes of office, ascended the platform, and was met by the Royal Commissioners, Messrs 11. Brett, Seymour Thorne George, and John McLeod.

At 1.30 o'clock the baud of the Royal Arthur marched past the platform, followed by a number of men from the warships, who were greeted with cheers as they passed up Queenstreet. A few minutes later renewed cheering took place as His Excellency Lord Ranfurly- drove down to meet the Royal visitors. In- the carriage were also Captain Alexander and Captain Bosca wen. Patiently the crowd waited until Crash! came the first gun from the Albert Park, followed by those from the warships, announcing that the great, event was a thing of the present.; that Their Royal Highnesses had set foot in New Zealand. Twenty more crashes and then n pause, these were but "happy prologues to the swelling act of the Imperial theme.” Then the Governor (Lord Ranfurly), .Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, Hon. J. G. Ward, Hon. J. McGowan, ami Hon. Mr Mills arrived, and passed into the Royal enclosure. Immediately afterwards Pa Ariki and John Mangaia were ushered into the enclosure. A jMirst. of cheering louder than usual announced the fact thnt the Royal visitors were in sight. Another moment and the Duke and Duchess ascwnded the platform amidst tremendous cheering. Lord Ranfurly then stepped from the dais, and. bringing forward Dr. C'ampbell, introduced Auckland’s Mayor to the Duke and Duchess. The Town Clerk (Mr Wilson) next handed to the Mayor the city address, which Dr. Campbell formally presented to His Royal Highness amidst great cheering.

Lord Ranfurly next led forward Miss Kidd (daughter of the Chairman of the Harbour Board, Mr Alfred Kidd). The lady was duly introduced and presented to the Duchess a magnificent bouquet of flowers.

At this juncture the selected choir from the Choral and Liedertafel Societies, conducted by Dr. Thomas. Mus. Doc.. Oxoii,. sang the National Anthem, being led by the fine Waibi brass band.

His Royal Highness, upon stepping forward to speak, received a tremendous ovation. When quiet was restored he said: "It is with feelings of intense satisfaction that, after our long voyage, we have at last set foot on your country, which we both have always been so anxious to visit. It is especially interesting to me that the first ceremony in which I take part is to’ hear His Excellency the Governor read, by the iKng's command, the proclamation announcing the irclusion of Cook Islands with New Zealand.” (Great applause and cheers.)

Lord Ranfurly then read the formal proclamation of the extension of the boundaries of the colony of New Zealand so as to include the Cook Island group and all other islands within the boundary lines specified, as from the date of the 11th of June, 1901.

This proclamation was the signal for renewed cheering. His Excellency called for three cheers for the. King, which were heartily accorded. Mr. Seddon followed by calling for cheers for the Queen, and also for the Duke and Duchess.

The Royal party then returned to the carriage, and the procession started up Queen-street.