Greymouth Evening Star, AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, JUNE 24, 1901.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 24 June 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star, AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, JUNE 24, 1901.

The people of Wellington can scarcely be congratulated upon the completeness of their arrangements for receiving the Duke and Duchess of York, and the thousands of visitors who thronged the narrow streets of the Empire City anxious to catch a glimpse of the Eoyal party and all else that was to be seen in connection therewith. The weather doubtless had much to do with the general discomfort. But putting this on one side, much might have been done that was left undone, and much left undone that was done. As to the general decorations they were good and complete, the illuminations in the evening being brilliant and effective. The landing and march through town was well arranged and gave the 80,000 people, estimated to be in the city, a capital opportunity of viewing the Eoyal Party, and march of the troops at the laying of the foundation stones and at the receptions the details were studied ; the whole indicating that insofar as the Eoyal visitors were concerned every matter had been studied. But after this the arrangements were so faulty and defective as to warrant the belief that the authorities had never considered the several thousands of volunteers who had gathered to aid in the welcome, or the 25,000 visitors, who graced the Empire City and endeavoured to show their loyalty to the King's son. The volunteers were left in a miserable plight; badly housed and tented, while the less said about the food the better. They performed their task without a murmur, but when this was

accomplished, a few remonstrated in a " practical manner." From a strict disciplinarian point of view exception may be taken to their " remonstrance," but if so how much more is the language and bearing of Colonel Penton in addressing volunteers as " contemptible curs " and such like, because they did not choose to give up the names of the four who had the audacity in to walk down some of the thoroughfares with "samples" of the food supplied to them. It is all very well for Colonel Penton clothed in scarlet and gold, banquetting on the best, and surrounded with every luxury o chide the men in such rude manner —a manner that may bo tolerated by tho British soldier, but will be keenly resented by the colonial, who by such men as General Roberts has not only been pronounced as among tho best soldiers of the Empire, but also men who know their rights and will see that they get them. It required no keen scrutiny to see how badly the volunteers were treated, and the head of the department—that same Colonel Penton—must bo held responsible for the defective arrangements. Then as to Wellington's arrangements for the enjoyment of the general visitors, they were in a reverse ratio to that accorded at ordinary times. To country people—and the visitors werelargoly of such—a view, or visit, to the warships or tho Royal Yacht was one of the pleasures they had looked forward to. But this was denied to all. The wharves were all railed off and officers stationed all along to prevent anyone trespassing. Many and loud were theremonstrances, but without avail. Then the " magnificent programme of fireworks in the harbor" was postponed till Thursday evening, keeping thousands of people in town for an extra day, waiting for this grand night. And this part was the most dismal fiasco ever seen—three candle lights and a sixpenny packet of crackers would have been quite as effective. And thousands left by train next morning, all pleased with the reception accorded to the Royal Pair, and the illuminations, but sadly disappointed with the general arrangements and disgusted with the howling gale and rain that held possession of the city.