THE ROYAL VISIT

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 11 June 1901, Page 3

THE ROYAL VISIT

(per press association.)

Orphir made easy Passage

Auckland, This Day.

The Ophirliadan uneventful passage, with rough weather the first day then mostly fine, The vessel slowed down coming along the coast on account of fog.

The Duke and Duchess are in the best of health, their trip across having in no way inconvenienced them, but had the , opposite effect; the rest after the continued strain of festivities in Australia being very grateful. Leaving Sydney at noon on Thursday last the Ophir, escorted by H.M.fjj. Juno and St. George, one on either side, passed through the Heads twenty minutes later. For the rest of the day and daring the next morning there was a somewhat rough easterly wind raising a moderate sea. The weather then set fair, and smooth seas and warm airs prevailed during Friday afternoon and Saturday. A slight fog came down on Saturday night and the vessels slowed down. New Zealand’s shores appeared over the horizon about noon yesterday and at 3 p.m. the most westerly part of the northern coast, Capo Maria Yan Diemen was abeam.

Coming down the coast, which was kept in view, another light fog crept up and again speed was reduced to ten knots per hour, the rocky coast showing up through the mist from the line of the three abreast squadron which changed on Saturday night to single column, the Ophir leading with the Juno and St George following. The order was kept until reaching the harbour and on rounding the North Head, the Ophir dropped her anchor, the others following at reasonable intervals.

Enthusiastic Loyalty.

The long expected event has now come to pass, and the Ophir with the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall on board, is now in the Waitemata.

Between five and six o’clock yesterday afternoon the news was received in town that the Ophir had passed Cape Maria Van Diemen at three o’clock and was coming down the coast at easy speed of eight knots. This morning the Royal squadron reached port. The Ophir accompanied by the cruisers St. George and Juno, rounding the north head at about half past eleven and dropping anchor opposite the head. It is a matter for great regret that the Royal visitors and those accompanying them did not see the harbour under fine weather. Conditions, even ships carrying Royalty are not exempt from (he law of medical inspection, and as as soon as the Ophir dropped anchor Dr Sharman, the Health Officer, went on beard. Preparations in Christchurch. Christchurch, June 10. Work in connection with the decorations and illuminations for the Royal visit are now being pushed forward. The Government arch in course of erection on Victoria bridge, will be composed as far as possible, of Now Zealand flora and will bear mottos in white chrysanthemums. In the Westland trophy there will bo an obelisk representing the output of gold from the province and coal and timber will be features of the display. The Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association has so far not met with very hearty response to its invitation to kindred Associations iu the province to subscribe towards erecting an arch symbolical of the agricultural and pastoral interests.

The principal traders have agreed to observe Saturday and Monday during the Royal visits as close holidays. Preparations in connection with the military review are well in hand. Captain Alexander also went on board representing the Governor. The early arrival of the Ophir will not interfere with the reception arrangements. Men are still working in Queen street getting the decorations into shape, and if there is fine weather the success of tomorrow’s ceremony will bo doubly assured. Unfortunately Capt Edwin predicts unfavourable weather, but the enthusiastic loyalty of the crowded city is so great that it is likely to shine out clearly through rain or storm. The Christchurch Review. Wellington, June 10.

The Defence department now expects that about 9000 volunteers .will take part in the review in Christchurch during the Royal visit. 3000 volunters and 1000 will go south from Wellington, Nelson, and Westland volunteer districts.

Wellington This Day

The Acting Commandant has decided that all officers in Cadet Corps proceeding to Christchurch are to have acting Commissions as such.

Auckland, Juno 11.

The weather is clear and it promises to be a beautiful day for the reception. The coastal fleet is assembling for the display, and promises to be very imposing.