THE ROYAL VISIT.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 101, 8 May 1901, Page 2

THE ROYAL VISIT.

A GRAND SPECTACLE,

By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright Melbourne, May 7. A fine spectacle witnessed by several hundred thousand people to-night was a Fire Brigade torchlight procession. Over twelve hundred firemen, brought from all parts of tho colouy, took part. Tho steamer fire engines, cleverly decorated with electric lamps, wore escorted by two lines of firemen carrying white torchlights, whilo at frequent intervals the stroets were kept ablaze with red, green, and blue colored fires. Tho Duke had a heavy day. After the levee and reception of addresses, ho paid a visit to every warship at Hobson’s Bay, which occupied the time till after sundown, each vessel firing a saluto as the Duke left.

THE ROYAL LEVEE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Melbourne, May 7. Three thousand six hundred people attended the Royal leveo at Government House. Citizens were received in the ballroom. After the members of the Federal and State Ministries came tho Judges, heads of the Church, and a largo number of high officials. The scene was brilliant and animated, the color of the uniforms lighting up the sombre black of tho ordinary citizons. The arrival of the Duke at tho ballroom was heralded by a clanking of-the swords of the military staff. His Highness was accompanied by tho suite, Lord Lamington, Governor of Queensland, and tho Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria being in' attendance.

Tho Duke bowed on to the dais, with Prince Teck bn his leftf and tho GovernorGeneral on his right.

Shaking hands with every visitor was a great ordeal. In the afternoon tho Royal labors wore continued. Forty-seven addresses were presented from various public bodies. That from the Corporation of Melbourne was very handsome, and was contained in a beautiful silver casket, with gold mountings. Though practically an olLday, a great stream of people poured into tho streets and witnessed tho stockmen’s procession. About a hundred mounted men, attired in red, with black-striped shirts, and wearing moleskins. Twirling stockwhips they careered through tho main streets. Tho next item in tho day’s amusement was when two enormous dragons wrigglpd their length down tho streets, Chinese musicians keeping up a din infernal with tho instrument dear to and only understood by tho Chinese. The bearers had a hard time in keeping their dragons within bounds, each gust of wind making them writhe life-like in an unexpected manner. To-night a brilliant conversazione was held in the Exhibition Buildings, which was finely The Royalties were not present at this function, which was given by the State of Victoria.

COMMENTS IN ENGLAND. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, May 7. The Standard says the magnificent spontaneity of the reception of tho Yorks stirred the blood of Britishers. The Times declares that it was a splendid pageant, and compared favorably with the pomp of Royal progresses in the Old World. What most powerfully appealed to the imagination was tho Commonwealth spontaneously acclaiming a representative of the Crown as living symbol of Imperial unity. Washington, May 7 The American Government has authorised Rear-Admiral Rcmy to proceed to Auckland from Melbourne with the cruiser Brooklyn; during the Royal visit. CONGRATULATIONS FROM NEW ZEALAND. (By Telegraph—Press Association. Dunedin, last night. Tho Premier has received the following cablegram from the Hon. J. G. Ward, from Melbourne :—The display was magnificent. The New Zealanders were given a position of honor, and acquitted themselves splendidly.” The Premier sent the following cablegram to the Hon. Mr Barton, Federal Premier: —“ Congratulate you on success. Am delighted to note that tho New Zealanders were given a place of honor, and was more especially pleased to find that the Maoris wore put opposito to their Royal Highnesses.”