AUSTRALIA HOUSE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 281, 16 August 1918, Page 3

AUSTRALIA HOUSE

IMPOSING ADDITION TO LONDON'S FINE BUILDINGS. Now that the builders have been ousted the magnificence of Australia House externally and . internally is revealed (writes tho London correspondent of the Sydney "Sun"). It. is worthy, of the Commonwealth in London, and stands majestically in tho heart of tho city. From the roof the spires and towers of palaces, cathedrals, churches, and a thousand other historic, buildings are visible. Inside its mnssive marble pillars and walls, its wealth of delicate wood-carv-ings, set off 'by burnished bronze and alabaster, provide 'indestructible evidence of tho value and beauty of Australia's resources. It will become a feature ill every guide book, a Mecca of sightseers, and a monument to the nation's virility and enterprise. Tho following address was read by Mr. Fisher, High Commissioner, at tho opening ceremony of Australia House:— "Tho Commonwealth Government, which is most fittingly represented by the Prime Minister and the Minister for tho Navy, offers to Your Majesty its most dutiful thanks for your graciously coming here to-day for the purpose of officially opening Australia House. The people of the Commonwealth will remember with great satisfaction in years to como the fact that Your Majesty found time amidst your unprecedented heavy national duties to i honour them by your prasenue on this occasion. -Tho most desperate war in history has not prevented this edifice from rising on' the foundation so truly laid by Your Majesty; on July 24, 1913: and whatever the difficulties of the war may prove to 'bo, it is thoir hopii that it will steadily procood in tho same way to overcome them. We.now recall with pleasure the prophetic words Your Majesty spoke at that time. 'I am well assured that ns in the past in a national emergency Australia will" be ready to play her part for the common cause, and that tho loyalty of her sons will never be appealed to in vain.' It is hoped that this building will give satisfaction to Your Majesty, and will prove worthy of Australia and of this Imperial city. If tho celebration of its opening be clouded by the tragedy of war, thoughts of Australia which are inspired in Australians by this event aro quickened with pride in tho deeds of our countrymen. It is tho earnest wish of the Commonwealth Government that Australia House may be a tangible sign to the peoples of the United Kingdom that their interests and those o.£ their kinsfolk in tho great Commonwealth overseas are common alike in peace as in war."