COMMONWEALTH CELEBRATIONS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 8 January 1901, Page 3

COMMONWEALTH CELEBRATIONS.

Banquets, Spcrfcs and General Rejoicings.

Reid Opens the Free Trade Campaign.

(I’ER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) [ry electric telegraph—copyright.] Sydney. January 8. At the Trades Union Commonwealth banquet in tlie Trades .Mall, t lie intercolonial guests included the 1 lon. Mr Carroll of Xew Zealand. O'Sullivan, Minister of 'Works, presided, and said that the one idea all expected to he carried out was that: “While Australia” should prevail, ft •was only a question of (line —pcrliaps three years—when the Federal Parliament would carry a Mill to abolish all colored labor. Barton, in responding, said he was for “ White Austra i: a.” Public feeling was predominant, and no Ministry could live which defied the public. The Federal Ministry had not yet considered the policy, but he believed they would be able to secure the confidence of the workers as well as that of the mass of people. The policy would be accompanied by a desire to work out the spirit true of liberalism. Lync regretted New Zealand had not entereddhe Commonwealth. Jfe hoped the time was not far distant when she would do so and would be welcomed. At a luncheon given to the visiting municipal representatives, Barton deprecated the impatience against Lync retaining the State Pi emiership and Federal Portfolio. State Ministers should be allowed time to clear oJV State work. Temporary duality of office did not carry dual emoluments. The guests paid a tribute to the magnificence and success of the celebrations. Similar tributes were paid at a luncheon given by the Government to guests on the Grosser Kurfurst to Lync and Forrest. A complimentary harbour excursion was given last night to the local interstate Parliamentary representatives. Six steamers, gaily illuminated, carried the guests. At the military sports, the Xew South A Uallery won the wrestling on horseback, (he Australian team occupying second and third places. Twenty of the First Lances, Household Cavalry and Dragoon Guards wore defeated. The exhibitions of laying field -telegraphs and war balloon operations by the Loyal Engineers was much appreciated. Lync states that lie intended to repeat (he illuminations anti decorations of the city on the visit of (he Duke of York.

Lady Kopctoun is recovering, but is still very weak. Dickson has been unwell for the past few days, and was unable lo take part in the consultation of his Federal colleagues. Rcid has gone to Tasmauia to open the Free Trade Federal campaign. He visits other colonies. Scddon was also present at the Trades Union banquet, but did not speak. Melbourne, January S. The objectionable Federal customs schedule has been withdrawn, and Kingston consults the Chamber of Commerce on the matter.