THE ROYAL VISIT.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 18 June 1901, Page 3

THE ROYAL VISIT.

[PBR PRESS ASSOCIATION]

Arrival in Wellington.

Wellington, This Day. The weather cleared up at night but at daylight a heavy rain came on again and saturated the town once more, and threatens to be showery all day. The sound of the hammer is still heard in the streets, and roping off is not finished yet. At 9 a.m. the city was crowded with visitors. The trains and steamers for the last three days having brought in many thousands. Shipping and town is gaily decorated. Cuba Street takes the palm, being decorated with evergreens, and buntings along the business portion. Considering the amount of rain fallen, the streets are not so muddy as might be expected, and if no more rain falls the weather will have little effect on the ceremonies. The Artillery fired a salute at 8, and men-of-war another as the Ophir came up to the wharf shortly after 9. Landing of the Yorka.

Wellington, This Day. As the hour approached for landing, the weather became more favourable and the sun occasionally shone out. The Governor and Ministers put in an appearance shortly before 11 o'clock, by which time the stands at the entrance of the wharf were densely crowded and streets lined with spectators. 3,500 troops and|cadets were employed in lining the route. Punctually at 11 o'clock their Eoyal Highnesses came down the gangway, the Duke being dressed in Admiral's uniform and the Duchess in black. Beauchamp (chairman) and Ferguson (secretary) of the Harbor Board were presented, and a bouquet handed to the Duchess of York by the former's daughter. A salute was fired and the band struck up the National Anthem. The Navals formed a Guard of Honour on tho wharf, and the main alley was lined by 200 veterans. Preceded by the suite their Highnesses entered their carriages, and at the entrance of the wharf found the Mayor and Councillors, Aitken appearing for the first time in robes of his office. He handed the Duke the municipal address, and at the same time hoping it would have been better weather to enable them to enjoy tho visit. The Duke formally thanked him, and another bouquet was presented to the Duchess, after which the procession immediately moved forward amid cheers to strains of the National Anthem. Some thousand of mounted men followed as an escort —the most extensive display of mounted forces yet seen in Wellington. On arrival at Government House where the Garrison Band and City Eifies were stationed the Duke inspected the latter, and the Consuls, ten m number, were presented, •

The Reception. Wellington, This Day. Most of the stands along the route were filled to their utmost capacity, but the streets could have held more people. In many cases the buildings presented a sea of faces. The crowd was very enthusiastic, and their Royal Highnesses received a warm welcome everywhere. On the Government stand in front of the Departmental Buildings were seated the Premier and Ward in Court uniforms, and the other members of the Ministry, many members of Parliament, and representative men from all parts of the Colony. As the Royal carriage appioached, the cheering could be heard in the distance and passed along until it culminated in an enthusiastic scene as the Government stand was reached.

Most of the people on the stands were waving hats, handkerchiefs, etc, presenting an animated sight. The procession passed along Charlotte, Sydney, and Museum streets, and as the Royal party entered Government House, the D. Battery fired a Royal salute of 21 guns from Thorndon esplanade. The Court of Investiture. A Court of Investiture was then constituted in the drawing room, which was resplendent with gold braided uniforms. Sir A. Bigge read the letter's patent, under the sign manual of the King. The Duke and Duchess, Countess Ranfurly and the Prince of Teck occupied the dais. Lord Ranfurly was called upon and suppo: ted by Lord Wenlock and Sir A. Bigge advanced to receive the order of Knight Grand Cross of St Michael and St George. The Hon. Mr Ward followed and was made Knight of the same order, while Colonel Gudgeon and the Hon. Mr Walker received C.M.G's. The Governor and Ward received the

accolade kneeling, but the companions were decorated standing.

The Veterans. The Duke and Duchess afterwards inspected the veterans and went carefully through the ranks, taking special notice os those who bore several medals. With some of those old warriors the Duke con» versed for a short time upon their experiences. The Premier and Ward were also of tho party. Ward was supported by Sir J, Anderson and Sir R. Stout, while Colonel Byron and Major Bor escorted Gudgeon and Walker to the Dais. The Duke shook each gentlemen by the hand after he had received his decoration, who with their supporters thereupon bowed themselves away backwards. Viscount Crichton bore the insignia of the order before each recipient upon a velvet cushion.