H.R.H. THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH IN DUNEDIN.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 64, 1 May 1869, Page 2

H.R.H. THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH IN DUNEDIN.

(l?ivm our Own Correspondent.)

This long-looked-for event has at length been consummated. Early in the afternoon of Monday last, the welcome announcement was received that H.M.S. Blanche, 1268 tons, from Wellington, via Lyttelton, with His Royal Highness and his Excellency the Governor, and their respective suites on board, had arrived off the heads. The Blanche at once proceeded up the channel, and at 3 p.m. anchored at a convenient berth off Port Chalmers. After a short delay, a landing was effected at the Port, amidst the booming of cannon and other demonstrations or welcome suitable to the occasion. The Prince was received by the Mayor and Corporation of Port Chalmers, by whom an address, expressive of loyalty aud welcome, was delivered. From thence the Royal party proceeded overland to Dunedin, the line of road all along being thronged with carriages, horsemen, and pedestrians, by all of whom an enthusiastic welcome was accorded. Shortly after 4 p.m., the Royal party, attended by a large cavalcade, arrived at the Water of Leith, where they were -received by his Worship the Mayor and City Council of Duhedin. At this point, the carriages were drawn up, and the Mayor advanced and read the following congratulatory address : — To His Royal Highness the Duke of

Edinburgh, —

We, the Mayor, Councillors, and Citizens of the City of Dunediu, desire to unite in congratulations to your Royal Highness upon your safe arrival, and in offering to your Royal Highness a hearty welcome.

We recognise your second visit to these seas as proof of the interest" taken by our beloved Queen and your Royal Highness in these distant Colonies of the Crown, and the confidence of Her Majesty in the loyalty and devotion of her colonial.subjects^ unabated by the painful occurrence which deprived us for a year of the honour and pleasure of your presence among \XB.

We believe that in this as in other portious of New Zealand which may be honoured by a visit from your Royal Highness, you will recognise the existence of some indications of great natural resources destined to reward the industry of a great population.

Your Royal Highness may rest assured that our efforts to afford you a suitable reception will convey but a faint indication of the sentiments of earnest loyalty and devotion to the crown and person of Her Majesty the Queen, which pervades all classes in our city- and colony. We conclude by expressing the great satisfaction it affords us to see you in health amuarg us ; and we pray that the Almighty God, who has so wonderfully preserved you in the hour of clanger, will be pleased to spare you during a long life of health, happiness, and usefulness, an ornament to your profession and to the great family of which you are a member.

A procession was then formed, which entered the city in the following order ; —

Fleury's Band D.V. Fire Brigade Chinese Residents Caledonian Society Ancient Independent Order of Oddfellows

Manchester Unity of Oddfellows Ancient Order of Foresters Tailors' Society Other Trades Citizens on foot Chamber of Commerce Legal Profession . Bankers Port Chalmers City Council (City Corporation Provincial Council Provincial Executive

Members of House of Representatives Members of Legislative Council His Honour the Superintendent His Honour the Judge The Foreign Consuls

Suites of His Royal Highness and His Excellency the Governor His Royal Highness and His Excellency the Governor Escort of Mounted Police Carriages Horsemen

The streets of the city were densely crowded with on-lookers, by whom the utmost enthusiasm was manifested. Arrived at the grand stand of the Caledonian Grounds, the procession was hailed by a large gathering of children, who sang the National Anthem with good taste. Another halt was called, and an address presented by the directors and members of the Caledonian Society of the province, couched in terms of loyalty and welcome, similar to those mentioned above. At the Cutting, in Princes-street, a splendid triumphal arch was erected, finely decorated with evergreens, and illuminated with transparancies, bearing suitable mottoes of loyalty and welcome. The street from this to the Imperial Hotel was lined with Volunteers, who presented arms as the Royal carriage passed. After arriving at High-street, a guard of honour, composed of a detachment of mounted police under the command of Commissioner Branigan, was formed, by whom the Prince was accompanied to Fern Hill House, at the head of Manor Place, where he took up his residence during his stay in Dunedin. I ough^notioomit mentioning that the Chinese part in the day'B proceedings. With music and banners peculiar

to their nation, they niarched in the procession, after having presented His Royal Highness with the* following address :—: —

We, the Chinese residents in the pro-< vine'e of' Otago, in the colony of New Zealand, heartily embrace this opportunity of offering tc your Royal Highness ojlr sincere congratulations upon your arrival in Otago in good health and strength.

Although aliens from the Crown of Great Britain, we rejoice that our lot has been cast in a land governed bo the wise and beneficientlaws'which have made that great country so renowned ; and we pray yohr Royal Highness ' to believe that we shall always make it our study to obey and reverence those laws.

We trust that your Royal Highness will have a pleasant and prosperous voyage, and that, after many years havo passed away, your Royal Highness will look back with pleasure and satisfaction to your visit to New Zealand.