COMMONWEALTH CELEBRATIONS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 9 January 1901, Page 4

COMMONWEALTH CELEBRATIONS.

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[BY KMM3TBIC TBUBaBAPH—COPIfBIOHT.] Sydkey, January 8. A large number of visitors made a pilgrimage to Kuraell, on the southern shore of Botany Bay, where Coek landed in the year 1770. It was baajr.ifo] weather. _..--- * Messrs Seddon and Carroll and the Maori Chiefs were present, After luncheon Mr Seddon thanked Now South "Wales for the kindneps shown to the New Zealandera and displayed towards her sons returned from the wa»\ Mr Hassai in reply said that the Government had done its best to gather the representative men of Australia, and on behailf of tho Ministry and the people extended the hand of friendship to New Zealand and the Native representatives. Ha hoped he would soon see Now Zsaland join the Union. Then followed a theatrical representation oil the landing of Cook from an old vessel named the Endeavor that lay in the bay. Presently two boat loads containing Cook, Banks, and Solander, and soldiers and sailors approached the shore. A band of/ hideously-painted blacks (specially brought from Queensland for the purpose) rushed on the beach and " welcomed the boats by pitching spears. So hostile was the demonstration that Cook ordered his gallants to lire, which they did from ancient guns, which must have made the fivers apprehensive of results. However, the effect on_ the natives was instantaneous and they ignominiously fled. Cook's followers marched up the shore and took a position on the The ferocious natives, who somehow or other had been quietened, took lip a position at the hack of the platform, while Cook, Solander and Banks recited some high-minded poetry about the Commonwealth, which finally subdued the natives, for they made no further objection aj; being discovered. - Mr. Seddon, Sir W. Lyne and Sir J. Forrest congratulated the actors. After the lunch speechos ; Sir Wm. Lvne said that as far as New Sealand wiis concerned he likened Mr. Seddon to the Can of Kussis, and jocularly re-

marked that if New Zealand decided to come into the Union the Australians would have to look to their guns or Mr. Soddon would taka Australia to New Zealand instead of things being otherways. Mr. Carroll hoped that the enlightened statesman of the Commonwealth would do their utmost to help to improve the condition of the aboriginals. To-night Mr. Seddon presented, on behalf of the contingent from Africa, a photographic shield to Lieut Hughes as a mark of tho man’s appreciation of him as an officer. The Premier said that he would not make many more presentations to Lieut Hughes as Limit, as his commission as Captain of Militia would shortly he issued. Ho thought a mistake was made in South Africa in sending a single man home till the Boers were absolutely quelled. New Zealand would have sent another 2,000 men if necessary. He eulogised the men for their devotion to duty. They had done credit to the colony. The Naval and Military sports in the Agricultural Society’s grounds attracted an enormous attendance. The assembly was of a picturesque appearance. The Imperial and Indian troops were present in large force. The bright uniforms set off by khaki and the Colonials’ blue Navals. The entries for the various events were large. The competition between tho Imperials and Colonials was keen. The latter managed to give a good account of themselves. Sergeant Brady’s team of New South Wales Lancers evoked great enthusiasm, winning the Cavalry sword exercise prize, King’s Dragoon Guards second, the 17th Hussars third.

The competitors included the 21st Lancers, Household Cavalry, Royal Artillery. Colonel Wyndham won the officers’ prize for tho heads of poets ; Lieut Dangar of the New South Wales Lancers the officers prize; lemon cutting, Trooper Maegrrgor, First Australian Horse ; Lieut Hal 1 , New South Wales Lancers, riding and jumping, in each case beating the Imperial competitors. The Royal Field Artillery gave a fine display of driving. There were several nasty spills during the day, but they were not serious.