THE ROYAL VISIT

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 26 June 1901, Page 3

THE ROYAL VISIT

(per PRESS ASSOCIATION.) The Yorks at Timaru. Timaru, June 25. Thjft Royal party had beautifully clear sunny weather for the run through South Canterbury. A large crowd assembled at Timaru station where the party baited for luncheon. The Duke and Duchess we welcomed by the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs Macintosh.) Between the lines of guard of honor a few presents were presented by the Premier. His Highness,walked along the special passage to the platform in the street, whore many hundred school children massed sang the National Anthem. Bouquets were presented by the school girls, who were immensely pleased at the Duchess’s kindly reception of them. The whole proceedings lasted but a few minutes and the train left for Dunedin.

At Oamaru. Dunedin, June 25,

The Royal train arrived at Oamaru at 2 45 and was received by the Mayor, C. Heiley. Miss Lizzie Hedley presented a bouquet. The Waitaki High School Cadets were the guard. The children waved innumerable flags, and sang the anthem.

The party left Oamaru at 3 and stopped at Shag Point. Sir J. M'Kenzie was taken by Lord Ranfurly into the Royal carriage, where the Duke and Duchess shook hands. The Duke handed Sir J. M‘Kenzie the insignia of knighthood. The ceremony occupied three minutes. At Palmerston the Mayor (J. C. Gow) welcomed the Duke and Duchess. The Rev. S. Clarke and Rev, Father Lynch were presented. As no special stage was erected whence the Royal pair could be seen by the public, the Duke and Duchess walked several times the whole length of the platform.

At Port Chalmers the train slowed and was greeted with fireworks, pealing of bells, whistles of steamers, and the band played. The town was livid with red fire, a unique display.

The train reached Dunedin at six o’clock. The Duke inspected the Dunedin Navals, who formed the guard of honor. The Mayor (Mr C. L. Denniston) was introduced by Lord Eanfurly first, then the City Councillors, the Royal Commissioners, and members of the Reception Committee. Miss Yera Chapman presented a bouquet. The station was artistically decorated. The visitors drove rapidly through. The route was lined by volunteers and thrjnged by cheering crowds to the Fernhill Club. The bands played along the route. The Otago Hussars and North Otago Mounted Rifles were the escort. The guard of honor was the Tuapeka and Wakatipu Mounted Rifles. The city illuminations produced a mag nificent effect. The four main arches (the Government, the City, Suburban and the Octagon) were one blaze of electric light. The marine arch in Princess strSfet occupies a commanding position. The tall towers produce a fine effect. The Town Hall and spires are heavily lined with electric light. The Union Company’s offices blazed with light. Many other buildings were illuminated.

The Duke presented Mr Seddon at Christchurch with a magnificent silver and gold inkstand. To-day Mr Seddon received a letter from Bigge, on behalf of the Duke and Duchess, thanking him for the hospitality shown while in the colony. Prior to the Duke leaving Christchurch he presented to Mr Rhodes a jewelled walking stick, and Mrs Rhodes’ a jewelled scent bottle.

The streets are thronged. Dense crowds are everywhere. There is immense enthusiasm. The torchlight procession in grotesque costumes, and cheering and decorations for the Royal visitors.

The weather is cold, but it appears favorable for to-morrow.

The performance for to-morrow is as follows:—The Eoyal Party leave Pernhill at 11 30; at the Octagon addresses will be presented and replied to, the Duke then presents medals to the returned troopers. The Duchess presents a medal to nurse Eoss. A procession through the city. Eeturn to Fernhill. At 2 30 the Eoyal Party proceed to the children’s demonstrations on the Caledonian grounds, they visit the agricultural show, and proceed afterwards to the horticultural show. At 9 45 they hold a reception at the Agricultural Hall. Serious Accident to Mr. Seddon’s Carriage averted. Dunedin, June 25. Immediately after leaving the station the cheering startled tho horses drawing the carriage containing Mr. Seddon, Mrs. Seddon, and the Misses Seddon. The horses bolted and turned down Princess Street south instead of continuing in High street to the Grand Hotel. There was serious danger to the crowd and the occupants of the carriage. Mr. Seddon shouted for somebody to get to the horses heads, and J. W. Blackwood rushed from tho crowd, seized the traces, and saved the carriage from going over the crest of Princess street, when serious consequences might have happened. The horses were controlled, and the carriage returned th the Grand Hotel, the result being heartily cheered.