THE ROTORUA CELEBRATIONS.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 132, 14 June 1901, Page 2

THE ROTORUA CELEBRATIONS.

CONTINUAL DOWNPOUR OF RAIN.

NO ACCOMMODATION FOR VISITORS.

(Times Special Correspondent.) Rotorua, last night, Upon arrival of tho Dulto and Duchess of York at Rotorua this afternoon they were welcomed in Maori fashion by a haka. The Gisborne and East Coast Maoris took a most prominent part in the function. It was, indeed, an eye-opcnUr to their Royal Highnesses. Tho Hon. Janies Carroll road tho Maori welcome to tho Duke and Duchess of York in his usual fluent manner.

Rotorua is en fete to-night, but unfortunately there has been a continual downpour all day. .The streets at present are in a most muddy and miserable state. Hundreds of visitors are arriving from north, south, oast, and west, and a groat harvest for hotel and accommodation house proprietors is promised. Prices for board and lodging are most exorbitant. A large number of Gisborno peoplo aro present, aud all arc grumbling at tho inadequate accommodation. One result of the rain is that the surroundings of tho Maoris’ tents aro in a frightful sloppy condition. Mr Carroll, however, has been very assiduous and painstaking that tho Gisborne Maoris shall bo protected from tho rain that now prevails. Const. Crawford, of Gisborne, is acting as ono of tho Duke’s bodyguard. Two Gisborno pressmen accompanied tho Royal carriage to Rotorua this morning.

COMMENTS OF THE ENGLISH PRESS.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, June 13. The Times and other journals, commenting on tho Duke of Cornwall's visit to New Zeal .and, refors to tho spontaneity and intensity of tho enthusiasm and tho freshness of the impromptu feature at each stage.

PREPARATIONS IN CHRISTCHURCH.

BONFIRES ON COAST.

By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, last night. Arrangements aro being mado for an ~ extensive display of bonfires and beacons in connection with the Royal visit. It is proposed that as tho Ophir is steaming down the coast to Lyttelton from Wellington on Friday evoning, June 21st, that bonfires should bo lighted from Capo Campbell to Banks Peninsula. A large number of settlers along tho coast have agreed to co-opgrate in the idea, and othors have been written to. The Mayor has sent away an enquiry as to when the Ophir is likely to be off Capo Campbell, and probably tho time will be announced and those in charge of the bonfires at the other points will be asked to calculate tho time when tho Ophir will bo opposite on the, evoning of the arrival of the Royal visitors in Christchurch. It is proppsed to have a long lino of bonfires extending; from Hoon Hay, south-west of tho city,, * to Lyttelton and on to Akaroa. Tho settlers are taking up the idea with a good deal of enthusiasm.

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Auckland, last night. The Star’s Rotorua special correspondent telegraphs that a great war daneo by the combined Arawa and Lake Taupo tribes took place yesterday. In the excitement of the charge one of the Arawa .men was accidentally wounded by a sharp wooden spear, which went right through the calf of his leg. . The Natives came in force from tho camp this afternoon to welcome Royalty at the railway station.

Napier, liisfc night. Tiie Mayor has received a reply from the Premier that the Duke of York cannot deviate from the programme to make a call in to Hawke’s Bay. Dunedin, last night. There is a soreness being felt at the pushing aside of the Mayor in connection with the reception function. A special meeting of the City Council is convened for Saturday to consider the situation, which is becoming very strained.