THE AUSTRALIAN CENTENARY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1752, 28 January 1888, Page 2

THE AUSTRALIAN CENTENARY

(Peu Press Assooiation.)

"TTDinrrj • ,Tnnnary- af, Lord Carrington has received a cablegram from Her Majesty the Queen congratulating tho Australian colonies on tho splendid material and social progress achieved m the past hundred years. Her Majesty also expresses her deep appreciation of tho loyalty of Australia, and says that she has watched with Bincere interest tho excellent administration of their respective Governments, and prays that their prosperity and close attachment to the Mother Country may continue to increase as hitherto. His Excellency replied (stating that Her Majesty's telegram had been read at the State banquet amid great cheering and enthusiasm, all tho Australian Governors, as well as one thousand guests, including most of tho leading statesmen and citizens of Australasia being present. At tho banquot last night Sir Henry Parkes presented Lord Carrington with the first commemoration medal struck. The design is a very appropriate one. On one side is a picture of Britannia, with tho word "Australia " printed over the top. Underneath, at tho base of " Britannia," is tho date of January, 26th, 1788, Kurmounted by G.R., with a crown between G. and R. Tho dovice on the other side is encircled with a wreath of Australian flowers, m the oentre of which is | the bacjge of jiho colony, surmounted by the Imperial Grown, and sur rounded by tjje motto, " Orta liepens Requam pura nites," and tho figures 1888. Eap'h of the Qovernpre is to rcceiye a medii^ After presenting the medal, Sir Henry Parkes proposed^- " Australasia, her trials and triumphs m the past, and her union and progress m the future." The toast was received witb ringing cheers. Lord Oarnarron and the various Premiers replied to " Honored guests of the Mother Country." Sir Wm. Fitaherbert, on behalf of JNcw Zealand, offered congratulations and sympathy to tho fcister Colony on such an occasion, 'and expressed regret at the unavoidable absence of .Now Zealand Ministers from tho banquet. The banquet was a most brilliant affair, and lasted till midnight. Iho Centenary was generally celobrated m the other colonies yesterday, the 'day" 'being set apart as a special holiday. ■•.-.• •• ■

The Centennial rog&tta, which took plftce to-day on the Faraina(ta course; was a brilliant success. The sculling race m wager boats was won by Peter Kemp (Hawkcsbury), W. Hearn (Now Zealand), second, 0. Nelson (Sydney), tjiird. The Interco/onml band contest commenced to-day ; a number of bands are competing. T:he city is a^ain brilliantly Illuminated to-night, bu); a strong wind seriously interferes with if, being scon &f> iM best.

!fho harbor illuminations took place this evening, u,nc) wepr a grand spectdclo. Tlje bay was lit up with the electric light shown from the squadron and othor vessels, and there was a continuous asoont of rockets, which were fired from all points In tho harbor. At Government House this evening was a grand dinner paity, which* was largely attended. At the notabilities wore present.