THE ROYAL VISIT.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 135, 18 June 1901, Page 1

THE ROYAL VISIT.

By Tolegraph.—Press Association. New Plymouth, last night.

Five steamers were berthed at the breakwater on Sunday 7 evening, landing soino 500 passengers from Auckland. Two special trains were despatched to Wellington. Heavy trains also left this morning with visitors to the Loyal reception.

Christchurch, last night.

The first batch of Cadets for the big review, about 200 from the West Coast, arrived this morning. Through a mistake somewhere, nothing was ready for their reception or accommodation, as they were not expected’tor two or three days. Every effort is being made to make the boys comfortable.

TO-DAY’S ARRANGEMENTS AT WELLINGTON.

(Special to Times.) Wellington, last night,

The following is the programme for today, which all Gisborne people will no doubt bo aware is Waterloo Day : The Loyal yacht “ Ophir,” accompanied by H.M.S. “ St. George ” and “ Juno,” will bo met at the Heads by the warships “ Loyal Arthur,” Wallaroo,” Eingarooma,” and “ Mildura,” who will give the Loyal salute and escort her to the anchorage in Port Nicholson, Wellington. As the Loyal yacht steams up the harbour a Loyal salute will be fired by the saluting Battery at Pipitea Point. The 'Wellington'steam and sailing fleet will meet the " Ophir ” at Point Halswell, forming a procession astern the accompanying squadron. The entrance of tho Loyal yacht into the harbour will be signalled at Mount Victoria and General Post Office, and a welcome peal will be rung by all bells in the city as the “ Ophir ” approaches the wharf.

The carriages from Government House will leave at 10.40 a.m., and proceed along Lambton Quay to Grey Street, thence to Queen’s Wharf. Their Loyal Highnesses will disembark at Queen’s Wharf at 11 a.m., His Excellency, attended by tho Premier and Ministers, being present. The Loyal procession will proceed along the wharf to the entrance-gates, where His Worship the Mayor, attended by the City Councillors and members of the Lecoption Committee, will present liis address and extend a welcome on behalf of the citizens of Wellington. The procession will then continue its progress along Jervois Quay, Cuba, Ingcstre, and Willis Streets, Lambton Quay, Charlotte, Sydney, and Museum Streets to Government House. A Loyal saluto of twenty-one guns will be fired by the D Battery of N.Z. Field Artillery from the Esplanade as Their Royal Highnesses enter Government House.

The Consuls of Foreign Countries will be received in a body by His Loyal Highness directly after arrival at Government House. The Government will entertain the Veterans and returned Officers, Non-com-missioned Officers, and Troopers at a lunch in the Drill-shed, at 1 p.m. The various Friendly Societies will probably form in order of procession and proceed to Government House at 2.30. p.m. The march past through Government House grounds will be witnessed by Their Loyal Highnesses. Their Loyal Highnesses will leave Government House at 3 p.m., and drive via Museum, Sydney, and Charlotte Streets, Lambton Quay, Willis, Manners, and Lower Cuba Streots, to site of the Town Hali, whore His Royal Highness will lay tho Foundation-stone at 3.15 p.m. A Choir of two hundred and fifty voices will sing of the National Anthem, to bo followed by ah ode of welcome specially written for the occasion. Their Royal Highnesses will return to Government House by the route hereinbefore mentioned.

Evening : Dinner, Government House, 8 p.m. Their Royal Highnesses will hold a reception at Government House at 9.45 p.m. Grand naval display by H.M. warships, which will be electrically illuminated at 9 p.m. Illumination of tho city. Selections of music by the city and visiting bands.

THE ODE OF WELCOME. The following is the Ode of Welcome, the words for which were composed by Mr S. Clarke Johnson, aud the music by Mr J. Maugkan Barnett : : Arise, Zealandia! high occasion waits: A Royal squadron crowds thy rooky gates The Heir of Empire proudest message brings O’er ocean highways from the home of

kings. Be glad, 0 Land 1 uplift exultant voice 1 With mightiest s<png let every heart rejoice ! Let shout go forth o’er mountain, stroam, and plain, And break triumphant o’er th’ resounding main 1 With-a Hail! all hail 1 From the isles of the southmost sea; Our song shall ring, “ God save the King, And His people Great and Free ! ” We hail ye, Prince and Princess fair, Our hearts their loyal welcome sing; Thrice happy strains our greetings bear To Son and Daughter of the King. The waves surge jubilant on the strand, The roaring guns make martial din, And all the bright rejoicing land Now bids ye enter —enter in.

Yea, enter in; behold a prosperous land ; The wond’rous beauty' that the Lord hath planned; - The strong foundations by our fathers laid, The busy cities which their sons have made. This day your Royal hands help us to build A splendid pile to noble purpose willed; Worthy our thanks this act of princely grace That well and truly gives the stone its place.

Now let the loud and glorious strains arise In praise and gratitude for plenteous good; In suppliant yearning that the Great Allwise

Will bind with strength our cords of

Nationhood; Will ever, guide and bless the Regal feet Which tread the purple steps of Britain’s throne; Will make the hearts and hands of Empire meet, And keep our Eulers and our People one.

With a Hail! all hail! From the isles of the southmost sea ; Our song shall ring, God save the King, And His Empire Great and Free ! ”