THE ROYAL VISIT. Well Done, Wellington!

Free Lance, Volume I, Issue 51, 22 June 1901, Page 8

THE ROYAL VISIT. Well Done, Wellington!

WELLINGTON has every reason to be proud of the welcome it has given to the Duke and Duchess of York For fervour, without fulsomeness, for hearty loyalty to the Empire as represented by the King's son, Wellington has equalled, and, perhaps, m success, surpassed, the welcome extended by the Northern capital, and even the welcome of the larger and more opulent cities of the Commonwealth. Even the threatening elements merely threatened, and held themselves m check while the great function was on It would verily seem that "Queen's weather" has not departed with the beloved Queen, and that Wellington skies can smile a welcome on the people and their guests when great occasion demands. • • • And Wellington has, in no wise, been behindhand in the quality of its public rejoicing. Money has been freely spent in the decorations, which, for originality of design and cleverness of conception, have been quite remarkable. Altogether, the occasion has been a unique one in opportunity for New Zealand. The event will represent a page in history never to be forgotten, m winch the colony acquitted itself right loyally, and attested its attachment to the throne in a manner that lacked nothing in warmth, and m no way derogated from its own dignity as a democratic country. * • • The people, by their spirited spontaneity, have confirmed and

emphasised the splendid name they already enjoy for hospitality and good fellowship. The day is past when New Zealand can be looked on by the world as simply a small island somewhere m the Pacific Its growth in patriotism is synonymous with its growth commercially And, in this Royal visit New Zealand has acquitted itself right well, and Wellington has, risen to the full height of its duty and its dignity as the metropolis of the colony.