THE ROYAL VISIT

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 31 May 1901, Page 4

THE ROYAL VISIT

[by ELECTRIC TEIKGEAPH —COPYRIGHT.]

(per press association.)

Sydney, May 30.

To-day was a naval day. The R oya programme was the Duke in the dres s o a Rear-Admiral accompanied by Lord Hopetoun and their staffs in the Ophir’s steam launch, bearing on its bow the Duke’s badge, proceeded to the Royal naval depot, Garden Island. As it passed the warships’ squadron anchored in Farm Cove, they fired a Royal salute.

Rear-Admiral Beaumont and thsofiicers of the squadron wore received at the Island, where the Duke received the bluejackets, the Royal Marine Artillery and the Light Infantry from the warships nine compmies in all. The inspection of the depot and the Island followed, and the planting of a tree by ilie Duke and the presentation of spades made at the naval workshops—the handles from ihe old colonial warship Nelson, and the blades from the plates o 4 the Royal Arthur—to the Duke, one for himself and the other for the Duchess.

As the party crossed to Admiralty House between the lines of warships, which were gay with bunting and presented a beautiful spectacle, the Royal salute was fired, the yards manned, and rousing cheers greeting them as they passed each vessel. The naval programme consisted of a review and sham fight, 50 warships and boats of all descriptions taking part. The first boats formed double lines and received the Duke and Duchess. Then the boats formed up between Fort Denison and the fleet, all saluting in service fashion as they passed the Admiralty House. Then a fresh formation was taken up. At a signal boats armed, the largest with three-pounder quick-firing guns, the smaller with rifles attacked the

licet, both boats and ships opening fire, then the bugle sounded the charge, and the boats dashed for the warships and attempted to board, both sides keeping up a heavy fusillade.

The scene while the battle lasted was exciting and picturesque. The Harbour to-night presents a fairylike foreground to the city illuminations. The warships Royal Arthur, Ringarooma, Wallaroo, and Mildura anchored in Neutral Bay. The Opliir and the cruisers Juno and St. George at Farraeove and the Russian Gromohoi outlined in electric and changing colored lights, search and arc lights flashing across the waters adding effect to the number of other vessels in port participating. Immense crowds are viewing the display from the foreshores and afloat.