THE ROYAL VISIT

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 29 May 1901, Page 4

THE ROYAL VISIT

[by ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH —COPYRIGHT.]

(per press association.)

The Review of Troops. Svdney, May 28. Steady rain commenced to fall almost simultaneously with the arrival of the Royal carriage at Government House where Lord Hopetoun had ridden forward to welcome the Duke and Duchess. Rain continued throughout the night but did not damp the ardour of the crowds, who densely packed the streets till a very late hour viewing the illuminations. Notwithstanding the great crowds and heavy traffic, no serious accidents were reported. One train collided with another and a number of people, who were alarmed, jumped off and two were slightly injured. Pickpockets made the best of the opportunity and reaped a good harvest. Yesterday’s functions concluded with a dinner at Government House, given by • Lord Hcpetoun to the Duke and Duchess. A number of influential guests, including Lord Ranfurly were present. To-day the Duke will hold a grand review of the troops in Centennial Park. Rain fell the greater part-of the night and though now fine, the weather is dull and unpromising. The warmth of Lord Hopstoun’s reception by the crowds was a feature of yesterday’s demonstration. On Sunday, Barton on behalf of the Federal Government sent birthday conaratulations to the Duchess. Sydney, May 27. An elegant expression of appreciation of the visit of royalty was the principle i laid down m beautifying the city. No effort was put forth with the object of outrivalliag the great display of Melbourne. The Sydney authorities wisely resolved to concentrate their energies in the direction of illuminating the central portion of the city, with the result that to-night Sydney affords one of the most brilliant spectacles witnessed in the two hemispheres. The citizens did not leave everything to the Government, but liberally responded to the call for money to bear their shhre of the magnificent result. Over the whole scene, whether viewed by night or by day, there is the strictest harmony of colour and aesthetic to a degree, The Government have converted the thoroughfare into three eighty feet long into an avenue lined with gleaming white fluted columns dignified by the name of Court and Empire. • There are twenty four pillars each symbolic of the British possessions a flag for each dependency floating on the summit of the column. As the court |j entered from George street one passes under a Eoyal arch, which extends greetings from United Australia to the King, and the Empire Court is left by the Commonwealth arch with an inscription wishj n cr long life and happiness to the Hopstouns. Each arch is supported by twelve beautiful columns. Venetian masts swarming with electric lamps festooned in a bewildering fashion convert the whole , court in a palace of delight by night. The masses of greenery gave a fine effect. Two thousand five hundred red, white, and blue globes have been used, and these glimmering through the delicate tracery of the foliage make a scone of great beauty in the daytime. Masses of greenery are used to conceal thousanrs of electric lamps which, evening shadows fall, gleamed out instantly as if by the touch of a magician’s wand. The mural decorations were no’t so much in evidence. The desire of the Government and citizens was not so ranch to encourage individual effort in mural illumination as to give uniformity to the overhead display in the streets. Suddenly entering Pitt street, the sneetator witnesses a scene of marvellous beauty. One’s ideas of the famous grottoes of Monte Cristo’s Isle pales before the dazzling sight. As far as the eye can jeach is a sparkling canopy of emeralds

of varying .shades, with heavy festoons of rubies. Along each pathway the vibration of suspended lamps give to them a realism of sparkling gems. Down the centre and above this canopy a novel effect is produced by huge orbs apparently floating in the atmosphere like silvery moons reflecting in the sheen of the jewels below. The Queen’s Square is lighted by arc lamps representing forty eight thousand candle power. The lamps are tinted a royal purple. Round the statue the flower beds are planted with initials of George and May, while the quantity of growing plants represent the Prince of Wales’s feather.

Nineteen countries extend a welcome in the Avenue of Nations. On each mast is a graceful golden dove bearing a silver olive branch in its mouth. Nearly five thousand electric lamps throw a radiance oyer the avenue. Festoon after festoon of different coloured lamps in wondrousfantasies bewilder the immaginatlon. One is kept out of fairy land by tbe moving masses of every day humanity. Maequarrio street is singularly beautiful. The whole thoroughfare is arched with a rainbow cf coloured electric lamps amoungst the buildings.

The illuminations of the Town Hali, Post Office, and Lands Office are most effective.

Owing to the cloudy weather and the absence of moonlight the illuminations are at their best.

The Royal review was held in Centennial Park to day, and was one of the most effective sights witnessed in Australia. The British journalists, who have seen many similar displays, unanimously dec’are that it was one of the finest they have seen.

The Duke dresssd as a Colonel of Fusiliers, was attended by Lord Hopatoun. The weather was threatening early in the morning, but cleared beautifully before the operations commenced. The sun shone down on a brilliant picture. On the rising ground in front of the Royal pavilion wore massed nearly 9000 mounted men, the infantry behind them ; again a dense throng of spectators, and against the back ground the ■ biue hills on the other side of Botany Bay. The Duke, accompanied by Prince Teck and staff, with Major-General French and Penton rode along the lines. After the inspection was finished the grand march past commenced, headed by the Lancers First Australian Horse, with massed bands playing 'them past the saluting base. The Duchess and ladiea-in-waiting, the Lieut-Governor andl Mr Barton occupied the Royal pavilion.

Behind the pavilion on the grassy slopes thousands upon thousands of spectators (estimated at about 150,000) were present. The Lancers, Scottish Rifles and permanent force obtained the plaudits of the multitude for their clock-work marching and steadiness.

At the conclusion of the march the mounted forces galloped past the Eoyal stand. ‘

The Duke presented Trooper Dufraycr with the late Queen’s sash, an honor awarded by the popular vote of his comrades in South Africa. The Duke expressed his appreciation of the qualities displayed by the troops to Col French, the N. S. Wales Commandant.

The Eoyal visitors to-night held a reception at Government House. It was a brilliant function, and there was a large attendance.

During the military review numbers of boys climbed a tree. A branch broke and two of spectators below were injured, a boy receiving a fractured rib and internal injuries, and a man was badly cut on the head.