The Royal Visit.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume III, Issue 165, 20 June 1901, Page 1

The Royal Visit.

Oisboiink, June 17.

The Royal squadron passed Gisbornfc at two o’clock this morning. The vessel# turned their fl >shlights on the town. An at'empt was made to communicate with the Ophir by wireless telegraphy. The instrument was visibly agitated, hut no d finite record was taken, the apparatu# apparently nob being quite in tune. Several merges were. sent, and it i# thought probable that on (he instruments of tlie Ophir, being more sensitive* they would be clearly recorded New Plymouth, June 17.

Five steamers were b rth'd at the breakwater on Sunday evening, landing 500 passengers Porn Auekl nd. Twd special trains wore despatch'd to Wellington, and a heavy train alno left tbi# morning with visitors to the Royal reception.

Wkixinoton, June 17.

The weather unfoi innately broke yes* terday mornirig, and tuere were heavy showers daring the day and last nightv Tiie total rainfall for twenty-four hours was ninety-five inches. Ad present there is every appearance of the weather settling again.

Visitors are crowding i >to the city in thousands from all directions.

The Postal Daparlm -nt are advis»d that ! he Royal yacht and her consorts passed Akiteo at II a.m., and should thus arrive in Wellington early to-night.

It is most unfortunate that after three months of exceptionally fine weather it should have chosen to break up just at th’s juncture, but Captain Edwin predicts hotter fortune for to-morrow k

Torrential rain fell during the night), hampering the workmen, who, in some cases, were to start decorating at mid* night, and marring Some of the woik already done. The Chinese arch, which is largely composed of paper, looks very dilapidated at present, and the West port arch presents a rather streaky appearance. This afternoon a thunder storm came on, giving the decorations further drenching.

One result in the change of the weather is that the preparations are a'l behindhand, and a good deal of hard work w ill be required to complete therm

The Ophlr, attended by thu Juno and the St. George, entered the harbour at 6 o’clock to night, and dropped anohoc in the stream-.

The weather is still very unsettled, and prospects for to-morrow are by no means good.

The Court investiture Will probably be heM to-morrow by the Duke of Cornwall* when it ia underst >0(1 that Hon J. G Warn and Hon John McKenzie will be made K.'sO.M.G., and Hon W. C. Wftlkef Hon W. Oadman and Colonel Gudgeon* C.’sM.G. Mr Gadinan will, of course, be absents

June 18. The weather cleared up at night, but at daylight heavy rain came on again and saturated the town once mote.

The city b crowded with visitors,.the trains and steamers of the last three days having brought in many thousands. The slipping and town are gaily decorated. Cuba street takes the palm, faaing a bower of evergreens and bunting all along the business portion. Considering the quantity of rain that baa fatten, the streets are not so muddy as might bo expected, and if no more rain falls the weather will have little effect on the ceremonies.

The artillery fired a salute at 8 a.m, and the men of war another as the Ophif came up to the wharf, shortly after 9 a.rti.

As the hour approached for the land* ing the weather became more favourable and the sun occasionally shone out. The Governor and Ministers pub in an appearance shortly before 11 o’clock, by which time the stands at the entrance to the wharf were densely crowded, and the streets lined with spectators. Three thousand troops and cadets were em* ployed in lining the routs. Punctually at 11 am. their Royal Highnesses came down the gangway, the Duke dressed in an admiral's uniform, the Duchess in black. Mr Beauchamp (chairman) and Mr Fergttson (secretary) of the Harbour Board were presented, and a bouquet was handed to thoDuchesa by the former’s daughter. A salute was fired and a band struck up the National Anthem. Navals formed a guard of honour on the wharf, and the main alley was lined by 200 veterans. Preceded by their suite, their Royal Highnesses entered a carriage, and at the entrance to the wharf found the Mayor and Councillors, Mr Aitkea appearing tor the first time in his robe* of office.

The Mayor handed the Duke the municipal address, at the same time hoping that the Boyal party would have better, weather to enjoy their visit. The Duke formally thanked him, and another bouquet was handed to the Duchess, after which the procession immediately moved forward, amid cheers, to tha strains of the National Anthem. Some thousand mounted men followed as escort, and made the most considerable display of mounted forces yet seen in Wellington. Most of the stands along the route .of the procession were filled to their utmost capacity, but the streets could have held more people In many oases the build* ings presented a sea of faces.

The crowd were very enthusiastic, and their Boyal Highnesses received a warm welcome everywhere. On arrival at Government House, where the Garrison Band and City Biflet * were stationed, the Duke inspected the

Uter, and the Consuls, ten in number, were presented. A Court of Investiture was then ca - titut'd in the drawing-room, wh : ch vfs resplendent with goldhraided unitrrrrs. Sir A. Rigge read letters patent, und<r the sign manual of the King. The Duke land Duchess, Countess Ra'furly, and the Prince of Teck, occupied seats on the dais. Lord Ranfurly was called upon, and supported by Lord Wedlock and Sir A. Bigge, advanced to receive the Order of Knight Grand Cross of Michael and George. The Hon. J. G Ward followed, r and was made a Knight of the same . order, while Colonel Gudgeon and the Hon W. C. Walker received C.M.G’s. The Governor and Mr Ward received the accolade kneeling, but the Companions were decorated standing. Mr Ward was supported by Sir J. I Anderson and Sir Robert Stout, wbi’e Colonel Byron and Major Bor escorted C donel Gudgeon and Mr Walker to the d>is.

The Duke shook each gentleman by the hand, after he had received his decoration, and each with his supporters thereupon bowed themselves away backwards Viscount Crichton bore tie inMgoea of the Order before each recipient upon a velvet cushion.

The Duke and Duchess afterwards inspected the veterans, and went carefu ly through their ranks, taking spec'al notice of those who bore several medals. With some of these old warriors the Duke conversed for a short time upon their experiences. The Premier and Sir J. G, Ward were also of the party.