THE ROYAL PARTY IN SYDNEY.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 28 May 1901, Page 4

THE ROYAL PARTY IN SYDNEY.

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH —COPYRIGHT,]

[PER PEESS ASSOCIATION.]

Brilliant Pagentry

Sydney, May 27,

The Ophir left Hawkesbury about 7-30 a.m. and proceeded under easy steam till sbe entered the heads about 10-30, escorted by the Juno, and the vessels of the Australian squadron in line formation. As she proceeded up the harbor the bojs of the training ship Sabraon lined the foreshore on the southern head of the entrance

Coming abreast of Bradley's Head the Gromoboi (Russian ship) opened fire with a salute of 12 guns The vessels of the Australian station to< k up a position in Neutral Bay, the Ophir proceeding to her moorings at the fUgs ( hip's buoy. Dense crowds occupied every coign of vantage along the foreshore, where a view of the naval demonstration could ba obtained.

Daybreak wa3 ushered in with overcast weather and showers of rain.

As the Eoyal yacht entered the heads the clouds lifted and the sun shone out and gave the visitors a view of the harbour in all its beauty. The fates, too, were kind throughout tho day. Although the pageant through the city was under the overcast sky, no rain fe 1 to mar the spectacle. The streets were lined with crowds of spectators. At points the enthusiasm was even greater than that at Melbourne.

Tho landing took place at 2 o'clock. The Royal barge from the Ophir rowed between two lines of guards of blue jackets in boats to the landing stage in Farm Cove.

i As the party stepped ashore the forts and warships commenced to fire a salute, the echoes of which had not died away when the great assemblage gathered on the slopes of the Domain, took up the shouts of welcome.

The Eoyal pair thence proceeded to the pavilion erected near the landing place, where they were welcomed by Lord Hopetoun, the Lieut-Governor, and Mayor, Mr Barton and Sir W. Lyne, representing the Federal Government, with other leading officials and citizens. The pavilion is a beautiful structure, each corner bearing heraldic emblems. The exterior is covered with a profusion of flags, flowers, and foliage. The steep stairway is carpeted and embowered in ferns and greenery which led from the pavilion to where the Eoyal carriage was waiting. Cheers broke out with renewed vigor as their Highne3sess took their seats, and with the N. 8 Wales Lances as a guard of honor commenced to drive citywards, under magnificent; rows of trees which line the avenue of the Domain. The carriage wended its way through dense crowds to St. Mary's entrance, over which is erected a fine greenery arch bearing in largo letters the word " Welcome."

Turning into George street, the Town Hall made a brave show of bunting, and the Government tramways showed fine flags and designs grouped on transomes with burnished shields in the centre.

In some respects the narrow streets of Sydney were an advantage, as it gave the throng a closer view of the guest?, and the concentration of the crowds an appearance of greater enthusiasm. As the procession passed the Australia Hotel the balconies of the huge edifice was civpwded with sightseers' who cheered spontaneously after the Boyal visitors. The greatest demonstration made was as the N. S, Wales Scottish Regiment passed. This force had given the lifeblood of Lieutenant Grieve up at Paardeberg prior to the capture of Cronje, and the Sydney public did not forget the prowess of the Black Watch, with whom Grieve was associated at the time of his decease. In the' Melbourne procession, owing to the lengthy route, it was confined to mounted troops. Hera the Infantry had their opportunity and greatly added to the impressiveness of the function. Colonel Penton representing New Zealand rode with Major General French, and preceded the Royal carriage. At the George St. entrance to Martin Place, which was beautifully arcaded throughout to represent the Court of the Empire, it passed under a grand marble archway bearing the words picked out in gojd.

''An Empire's; -Jreeting.''

Th< reception was especially enthusiastic, from the large crowd occupying the pla'form seating several thousands faoimr Martin Fine. A second archway ot siuular with the words

"Long lAi<i and Happiness to Lord and LadyHopetouu."

gave entrance to Pitt street, which presented a brilliant spectacle with its blaze of color and setting of foliage through Castlereagh street. Entering King street one met with the citizens' tribute to the dead Queen. Royal purple and white were the prevailing tones. From every mast was suspended beautiful wreaths, and from every municipality in the State, while a huge wreath across the roadway bore the inscription

"Victoria the Good." "Right up to the Queen's statue were emblems of the mourning of the people. Surrounding the statue of Victoria were many beautiful wreaths.

Turning into Macquarie street tbe Eoyal pageant passed the whole length of the street under a floral arcade of beautiful conception and entered Government House.