THIRTY YEARS AGO

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 157, 31 December 1931, Page 9

THIRTY YEARS AGO

FIRST FEDERAL CERE-

MONY

AUSTRALIAN EVENT

The inauguration of the Commonwealth in Sydney on Ist January, 1901, and the associated ceremonies and festivities, had been marked by scenes of splendour and delight. Victorian folk had been generous in their praise of tho processions, and banquets that had been so wonderfully organised, and resolved that when Melbourne's turn came a few months later on tho occasion of the opening of +ho first .federal Parliament, their displays would not bo less lavish and beautiful (says a writer in tho "Sydney Morning Herald"). The Queen had promised to send her grandson, tho Duke of York, to preside at the chief function as her representative, but when her long and oventful reign was terminated by death, doubts arose as to whether the Duke, who had become the heir apparent to the Throne, could be allowed to leave England for so long a journey. These doubts were settled by the early decision of King Edward to the effect that the Duke and Duchess would come, but that, as tho Court would bo still in mourning, the character of the festivities would have to conform inglyQuite cai'ly in the preparations occurred a i-ather awkward hitch, tho story of which has never been made pubiic. It had been understood when it was arranged for the Duke to open the Parliament that such opening would be in tho customary form, and that tho Duke should act as tho King does in England and deliver a speech prepared for him by Ministers announcing the measures to be submitted and so forth. But the question was raised whether it was proper for the Duke to deliversuch a speech. The Constitution explicitly declared that the Governor-General was tho King's representative in the Commonwealth, and it was argued that it was only tho King's representative who could summon Parliament and declare the causes of its members being called together, and that legally, therefore, there was no place for the Duke in tlio ceremony. The law authorities upheld the contention, and the next thing to decide was what was to be done. A -compromiso was arranged, it was settled that there should be two ceremonies, one at which tho Duke should be tho central figure and should read a message from the King, the other at which tho Governor-General should deliver the speech announcing the proposals of the Government as to legislation. RUSH OF APPLICANTS. The Exhibition could accoinmodato about 10,000 spectators, and directions wore given to issue invitations to that number. Ten thousand seems a goodmany, but there were more than that number who desired to bo _ present. Committees were appointed with representatives from each State to decide to. whom the coveted cards, should be sent. Thcro were two of theso cards, one for the morning ceremony, the other for the evening concert. Their design had been entrusted to two wellknown artists,. Mr. Julian Ashton, of Sydney, and Mr. Carrington, of Melbourne. To-day, these- cards aro cherished by many as artistic and valuable mementoes of a great event. The gen-eral-director of tho Federal functions was Mr. George Jenkins, who had been for many years the Clerk of Parliaments, and was known by everybody in Victoria. Ho submitted general proposals, which were discussed and approved by the Prime Minister, but the working out of all the details >vas left to him. Jenkins had largo ideas, but was not ■exactly a business man. Ho had to deal with all sorts of people, contractors for decorations, and flags, concert directors, caterers, and many others. Having explained to each of them what he wanted, ho always concluded with tho instruction, "Now, do the thing properly." Later, when the bills came in, they greatly perturbed the economical mind of Sir George Turner, who caused inquiries to bo made as to how tho charges could be justified. The reply almost invariably was, "Well, we were told to do. the thing properly, and we did." "Do the thing properly, George/ was an appellation affixed to George Jenkins for many years after. But the important thing was that things wero dono properly, and Jenkins had every reason to stroke with satisfaction that wonderful glossy beard of which he was so proud when he received congratulations and thanks from the Primo Minister, the GovernorGeneral, and even from tho Duke himself. MEMORABLE FUNCTIONS. Tho main ceremony, including prayers, hymns, tho King's Message, and the swearing-in of members was dignified and impressive, in every way worthy of the great occasion. The evening concert was as much of a success as was possible under tho circumstances in a building not well adapted for the purpose. Many of the thousands present had to be content with mero echoes of the performance. Most of the artists were drawn from a fine opera company then performing in Melbourne, but there was one notable addition. When Mr. Musgrove, who had charge of tho concert preparations, submitted the draft programme it included the name of Miss Nellie■ Stewart. That lady was well known as a charming singer in comic opera, but it was thought that she was hardly class enough for such an occasion. However, Mr. Musgrove insisted, even to the point of threatening to pancel the whole arrangements if her name was withdrawn. . His judgment proved correct. Miss Stewart sang a patriotic, hymn, "Australia," written specially for the ceremony, and rose to heights of which few then believed her capable. The next day's function, . the real opening of Parliament, was held in its proper place at Parliament House, and the Speech was delivered by the Governor-General. It was a composite affair, all tho Ministers supplied paragraphs, which, with some general observations, were typed, and, finally, revised by Mr. Barton in his clear handwriting. That document, found a couple of years ago, is now a treasured possession of the National Library at Canberra, an interesting record of the association of a great man with a great event.