COMMONWEALTH CELEBRA. TIONS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 4 January 1901, Page 4

COMMONWEALTH CELEBRA. TIONS.

(BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH —COPYRIGHT.)

Great Rejoicings in London.

[per press association.]

London, January 1. The Australian Commonwealth flag was hoisted at Mansion House, London, at two o’clock on Monday afternoon ns anJi’idieation that the century had begun in United Australia. The Church bells rang forth peals of joy- . ■ The New South Wales AgencyGeneral was brilliantly decorated. Watchnight services was held at Westminster Ably and St Paul’s Cathedral and most of the other cathedrals, chapels and churches. A dense crowd gathered round St Paul’s at midnight and sung “Auld Lang Syne,” and there were joyful celebrations abroad. The Times publishes J. Brunton Stephen’s poem “Australia Federate,” and quotes it in its leading article. A copy of the poem was scut to the Queen. The Standard refers to the remarkable pageant at Sydney as opening a fresh virgin chapter in the history of the Anglo-Saxon race and a solemn recognition of the fact that Britain had success]Folly completed another of those mighty enterprises entrusted in its hands. The consummation of Australian unity marks a new epoch in the life of the nation and a fresh victory for liberty. , The Britannia, with the Imperial Troops, leaves Fremantle on February 14th, and reaches Southampton on March 17th. Sydney, This Day. The people entered into yesterday’s event with a splendid appreciation of the character of the day and the significance of the ceremony. Heated men and angry women were fighting for positions and crushing into seats to the inconvenience and danger of children., who were massed for the singing. It would be difficult to say where the most cordial reception was given, for it was a bubbling fervor all the time. , The Indian troops, Mounted Guards "brigade and Highlanders apparently were the favorites, though much cheering was encountered by the firemen, Naval Brigade, Naval Artillery and volunteers. Beid’s reception was marvellous. Where he was-concerned it was a triumnhal progress, but the welcome to the Governor-General surpassed all. It was uproarious. Hats and handkerchiefs were waving and the air was filled with popularity which the New Zealanders gained during their stay in Svdney made them special objects of attention, while the Southland Pipers, who came with the men recently arrived, raised enthusiasm to a, high pitch, Approximately ton thousand, three hundred troops were present. It is estimated that' about three hundred thousand witnessed the swearing in, that nearly three-quarters of a million viewed the procession,, and a thousand guests wore present at the banquet. Scddon told the Telegraph that, as one of those whose lot it had been to witness many celebrations, the display surpassed them all in numbers and decoration, and fully equalled them in enthusiasm. Of

course, it could not he expected to surpass the Jubilee celebrations which he witnessed in London, hut certainly conies next. What impressed him most going through the streets was the great general good feeling exhibited toward New Zealand and New Zealanders. That colony had not the slightest impression of the depth of good feeling that was among Australians, for people heard as they went along “Here comes Now Zealand s good Old Dick!” Wyndham at the banquet said he brought a message for Australian soldiers who were respected by every garrison in England, for they were brothers in arms whan suffering death, and had won their right to fight side by side with those of the Motherland.

It was hoped in England that Australian representatives would be sent Home toobt.in the latest ideas concerning drill Tactics and staff dudes, and that with the soldiers of the Empire so con solidated, the nation would be able to checkmate any power which crossed its path when engaged in a righteous cause. That was the message he had come hall across the worl I to deliver. In conclusion ho said “ The Army salutes the Commonwealth, and wishes you all prosperity and happiness.” The Governor-General received a congratulatory message from Tasmania, New Zealand Government, and Colonials of Natal.

Lieut-General Gaseleo cabled “ The Good wishes of the China field force to Australia which so opportunely assisted with a valuable contingent. From Sir Henry Berkely, Chief Justice at Fiji. From’ Australians at Salisbury and Rhoiesia. From Administrator of the Netherlands. From India, and Australian society at New York. Sydney, This Day. There was a tremendous concourse of people at the Ccntonial Park to witness the great military review of the Imperial Indian, Federal and New Zealand troops. The Governor-General of the saluting base viewed the magnificent march past of ten thousand men. Sydney, January 3. Two accidents attended the procession, while returning to Centennial Park. The horse of a mounted trooper became unmanagable and in its attempt to avoid the crowd bounded in the air and landed on the chest of Inspector Brunner, the well-known police officer, severely injuring his spine. Brunner succumbed during the night. The trodper was unhorsed.

Two others were knocked down and slightly injured. Constable Sharpies of Bathurst was swept from the train in Oxford street, and had bis skull fractured. The Commonwealth was celebrated in other capitals and all the country towns. In Melbourne a salute of a hundred snd one guns was fired. The city was decorated with flags, but there were no public functions. The weather was fine till the afternoon, when it rained. In Hobart the chief ceremony was the swearing in of Justice Todd. The 'administrator at Brisbane, Lord Lamington was sworn in as State Governor. The proceedings and reading of the proclamation of commonwealth was marked with much enthusiasm. In the presence of a large gathering, the procession including the military forces and members of the friendly societies followed and marched to the exhibition grounds where sports were held en route.' Five hundred children sang the Australian patriotic song. They presented Lady Lamington with a bouquet. The returned soldiers had a great ovation during the inarch in Adelaide.

The Federal ministers are getting their relative matters in order. Barton wired to the treasurers of the various States, stating that the excise revenue would have to be credited to the Commonwealth consolidated account from the first ot January.. Most of the visiting Federal Ministers will leave Sydney after the celebrations and meet again early next month and complete arrangements for the Federal elections. The Fire stations throughout the city and suburbs are elaborately d morated. This caused —at Number Two cry station—the unusual spectacle of a fire, at a fire station, through the overturning of a Chinese lantern on tho engineroom. The stable was gutted and three valuable horses killed. Adelaide, This Day. Amongst the number of events, the chief was the swearing in of Tennyson as State Governor. There was a fine display ot bunting.

Tennyson in the course of a speech in the swearing in ceremony, said he held that the closer and more intimate Union between the different States of Commonwealth was better, but also held that the heightening of indiv'duals of each State would promote stability, strength and greatness. On the whole therefore, he had perpetually urged the safe-guarding of the State rights and deprecated belittling Adelaide, lest we should sink into a second or third rate provincial town. For this reason ho retained from attending the Ceremonial in Sydney. Some grievances have arisen amongst the guests of the Government respecting the non delivery of invitation cards and the arrangements as to lodgings. A prominent Victorian visitor, Sir William Zeal president of the Legislative Council considered himself slighted in the position allotted to him at the Slate banquet and when ho saw his scat ho refused to take it and left the Hall. Subsequently be wrote a letter Lyne complaining of the treatment received stating that he would not accept any further hospitality from the Government. Melbourne, January 8. Madden the Chief Justice was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor. ' The State ceremony was purely formal. Perth, January 3. . The city celebrated the Commonwealth with extensive decoratrons and illuminations. The chief ceremony was the swearing in of the Administrator of the Government. London, January 2. The Times says that the note of loyalty and love of the Sovereign and mother land as pronounced at Sydney is a notable triumph of larger freedom and hope of a great future destiny. The Daily News expresses the hope that the Australians will develop a noble type of national life and a lofty standard of public duty. All the papers are sympathetic and predict a splendid future for the Commonwealth.