THE ROYAL VISIT.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 12 June 1901, Page 4

THE ROYAL VISIT.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Auckland, June 11

The decorations were carried out on a magnificent scale. The result of the combined efforts of citizens en route and the regular artistic design worked to by the Decoration Committee being to transform the route into a veritable fairyland. Queen’s street, naturally, was the most conspicuous for decorations, its whole length being festooned with chains of greenery, each side of the graceful Venetian masts being surmounted with bannerettes of red, white and blue. The connecting links of the festoons were picked out with floral decorations of similar colours, while ferns and palms clothed each mast.

The private decorations and artistic designs were in keeping with the occasion, and when illuminated at night will present a wonderful, dazzling spectacle.

At the foot of the wharf is the Government platform, where the public reception takes place at 2 and civic addresses presented, The decorations here consist of festoons of national colours and nikau palms arranged to the finest effect. On the opposite is a large public platform and near the ferry tee is the harbour official platform. Another platform is behind the Government one. All are tastefully decorated in greenery and colours.

From every building in the streets are flags and bannerettes. Venetian masts and similar decorations continue into Wellesley, Symonds, OTiorke and Princess streets on to the Government House ground where the Eoyal carriage will stop to see a human Union Jack near the Town Hall represented by children and numerous arches all of tasteful design.

At the head of the wharf is one of ferns and palms, bearing in silver letters “Welcome” surmounted by the Royal arms.

At the foot of the Wharf is another inscribed with the Maori word “Haeremai.”

At the junction of Victoria and Queen streets is the Government arch, designed to represent the marble arch at Hyde Park, and is the most conspicuous of all piers.

On each side of the main arch is the usual classics with fluted columns, and dome bases capitals. Over these is a heavy entablature with architrave frieze, cornice and pediment rising forty-two feet over the centre of the roadway. The total length is 90 feet across the street. This bears the inscription “ Welcome ” over the main arch, and on the side arches “ Cornwall and York ” with the shields of each country draped with flags. In large letters is also the Maori greeting “ Ka Aroha ’’ “ Tonu Ake ” “ Ake Ake ” meaning the unchanging love for ever for ever for ever.

The railway station is charmingly decorated.

Of private decorations the Star Office is conspicuous, the Shortland street front is one blaze of appropriate designs with strings of fairy lamps traversing the whole of the building. The Trip Across. The Duke and Duchess are in the best of health, their trip across having in no way inconvenienced them, but having the opposite effect, the rest after the continued strain of the festivities in Australia being very grateful. Leaving Sydney at noon on Thumb; last, the Ophir, escorted by H.M.S. lano and H.M;S. St George, one on either side, passed through the heads twentj minutes later. For the rest of the i'-v- and during the next morning it was somewhat rough, nn 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 vessel slowed down. The New Zealand shore appeared over the horizon about noon yesterday, and at 8 pm the most westerly part of the northern coast. Cape Maria Van Deman was abeam coming down the coast, which was kept in view. Another light fog crept up and again the speed was reduced to ten knots per hour, the rooky coast showing up through the mist. The lino of three abreast squadron was changed on Saturday night to single column, the Ophir leading, the Juno and St George following «he former vessel. This order was kept until reaching the Harbour, and on rounding the north head the Ophir dropped her anchor, the others following at reasonable intervals. i

Wellington This Day. On the signal being given to-day of the Royal landing in Auckland salutes were fired by the permament artillery and flags hoisted from public and private buildings. To-night all the government buildings are brilliantly illuminated and from what can be seen now, it is evident that the arrangements will provide for a striking and beautiful display of illuminations on the night of the Duke’s arrival at Wellington.

The General Post Office presents a fine spectacle, being lit by 2000 lights, and the other Government buildings are similarly outlined with colored lights and designs.

Dunedin, Juno 11

On receipt of the landing ol the Royal party a royal salute was fired by the B Battery. Flags were run up on the public buildings and the principal places of business, while at all the schools the Union Jack was also hoisted. In the evening the Post and Telegraph Offices, Custom Eouse, and Government Insurance buildings were illuminated. These looked well, but a better display will be made on the Royal party reaching here, the arrangements at present pot being completed, Blenheim, June 11. The demonstration hold this afternoon to celebrate the landing of the Duke was largely attended. The Mayor addressed a big gathering of children. The Government buildings are illuminated, and the festivities are being continued tonight. Hokitika, June 11. West Coast loyalty was in full force to-day to celebrate the arrival of the Duke and Duchess. It was a half holiday. The town was gay with bunting and there were many illuminations at night. The children and cyclists marched through the town to the State school to witness the ceremony of hoisting the flag. Patriotic speeches were made by the Mayor, Guinness, M.H.R. (Chairman of Committees), members of the County Council and Harbdr Board, and the Stipendiary Magistrate. The National Anthem was sung and a very large gathering of children was given a treat.

Nelson, June 11. This afternoon a royal salute was fired by the Artillery, and at each school the flags_ were hoisted and saluted. In the evening the streets were crowded to see the illuminations and procession of Volunteers and Fire Brigade with torches and colored lights. The most effective illuminations were at the Post Office and on Church Hill, where large transparencies of the King, Queen, Duke and Duchess, with appropriate wordings were displayed. In front of the Cathedral, too, there was an effective design, and the trees on the hill were hung with lanterns. The procession marched to Church Hill, where the people sang “ God save the King" and cheered the King, Queen, Duke and Duchess,