The Commonwealth.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 1, 2 January 1901, Page 2

The Commonwealth.

birth: of a new nation.

THE PREPARATIONS.

By Telcgra —Press Association —Copyright.

Sydney, Jan. 1

Mr R. E. O’Connor, of Now South Wales, and Mr Lewis, Premier of Tasmania, will bo sworn in as honorary members of tho Federal Cabinet, tho former as Vice-President and Mr Lewis a member of the Executive Council.

The old year was departed from and the new year ushered in with tho usual noisy demonstrmunic m tho streets. As midnight chimed a large number of guests liad assembled in the vestibule of tho Hotel Australia. The Right Hou. R. J. Seddon proposed tho toast of “Tho Commonwealth and tho Empire,” and with Sir John Forrest, of West Australia, led-off in the singing of the National Anthem, which was heartily taken up throughout the groat buildiug. Midnight services wore held in nearly all tho churches, there being thanksgivings for tho consummation of tho Commonwealth.

After a thunderstorm early in the evening tho wind sottled into the south-west, and at seven o’clock tho outlook for a lino day was poor; tho sky was overcast and threatening, with occasional drops of rain. Tho appearance of tho weather evidently fright - oned off tho early soekers after coigns of vantage, for very few people were present in the streets. Tho heavy suburban traffic, however, set in before nine o’clock. Mon wero at work early this morning, putting tho finishing touches ou the decorations, and repairing a little damage done by last night’s gale. Everything in tho way of decorations was prepared in tho most lavish style. Tho mother colony (New South Wales) accepted the duty, honoring herself, and through herself the colonies forming the federation, by fittingly initiating tho with the full determination to mC lco tho event worthy of the ]? or weeks past tho Government b m ] ia j an army of men, directed b y various sectional committees, prep' .iriug magnificent decorations alo tlie five miles of the . line o y route from, the outer domain to tlio swearing-in pavilion of tho Park. Nothing was lof c un done, aud no expense was sjr dre( j to mako a brilliant success. ' From end to endStho route was sentinelled by tall Venetian masts carrying fiags with connecting strings of streaming bannerettes, while a wealth of bunting, shields, and mural, decorations fairly smothered tho b 'Ridings. A. number of magnificont arches were erected at various stages of the route. Tho swearing-in pavilion is a beautiful pure white octagon structure., surrounded by seats for invited guests, with other seats in tho centre. . Tho natural rising ampithoatre is capable of seating or bolding 150,000 sight-seers. Every possible available space has been seized on to erect a stand. Many roofs oven have beon utilised by those in tho city. The front of Parliament House, Martin Place, and elsewhere were made capable of accommodating many thousands, while Oxford street from Darlinghurst to Gate’s Park was practically one line of stands, the largest occupying the large vacant space along the whole side of the barracks. Very large sums were spent in erecting stands. It remains to be seen whether the pay for the venture will be sufficient. 1 The procession is timed to leave the outer domain at 10.30 a.m.

AUSTRALIA'S RED LETTER DAY. A MAGNIFICENT SPECTACLE. NO INCIDENT TO MAR THE JOY. Sydney, Jan. 1. The red-letter day in the Australian history has come and gone, and the political works of the year have been consummated, while the work of the past few weeks to make Sydney city worthy of the great function to be held within its gates has resulted in magnificent success.

The handling of the street traffic was admirably conducted. Nothing of a serious character marred the proceedings. The length of the route and the ample provision in the shape of stands to view the procession prevented great, pressure anywhere. The crowd was orderly. In the extreme early morning the Domain presented a brilliant and animated scene as the various contingents of Imperial and colonials arrived and squadded ready for marshalling. Precisely at 10.30 the immense cavalcade commenced to move. The mounted police led the way, followed by the fire brigades with the steam fire engines forming an escort to three cars filled with members of the fourth estate. The whole route throughout was lined with local troops, who kept the passage way clear for the procession. By the time everything was fairly under weigh the day was sweltering and cloudy, but muggy in the extreme. Following the Press were two fine allegorical cars representing Italy and Canada, formed and occupied bv officers dressed in Italian uniforms, others in the costume of Garibaldi's men, while the centre car contained a large bust of the great Italian liberator. After the cars came the members of the local Parliament, City Corporation, and distinguished visitors.

The Premier of New Zealand, Mr Seddon, occupied a carriage with Mr Kingston, and they were escorted by the Maori members of the contingent. Sir Robert Stout and Judge Edwards shared a carriage. The Primate, but not the Cardinal, took part in the procession.

After the carriages of notable personages came what formed the chief attraction of the pageant, a The military contingent of New South Wales Lancers led the way, with the South African returned men and soldiers representing the Soudan contingent; then came visitors from Queensland,

Tasmaina, Westralia, South Australia, Victoria, and Now Zealand in the order... named. This brigade was under the command of Colonel Polo-Penton, the Now Zealand Commandant. Next followed tho Indians, and what a brilliant spectaclo they offered with .their bizarre uniforms ! Tho cavalry soction showed themselves splendid horsemen, aud elm foot regiments were big fine looking fellows indeod. The bronzo-com-ploxioned sous of India gave a touch of splendour to the sceno with their rich dresses and turbans. Aftor them came the Imperial force under Colonel Wyudham, with his staff officers leading, Royal Ilorso Artillery with two guns, Household Cavalry, First Life Guards, Second Life Guards, Royal Ilorso Guards, King’s Dragoon® Seventh Hussars, Twenty-first Lnne-.' v ’ : Prince "of Wales’ Own, Roys' "

Artillery, with two gunEngineers with waggons pontoon soction, Highland I Infantry, Band of Roy a’ . risen Artillery, Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, Scotch Guards, Irish Guards. Noxt followed tho regiments: of lino : Queen’s Buffs, Somerset Light Infantry, Duko of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, Northumberland Fusiliers, Royal Fusiliers, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, Royal Irish Fusiliors, Scottish Rifles, King’s Royals, Royal Irish Rifios, Riilo Brigade, pipors of Scottish Forces, famous Blade Watch, Highland Light Infantry, Seaforths and Camoronian Highlanders, theArmy Servico Corps, the ArmyMedical Corps, tho Fourth Norfolk Militia, aud the Devon and Middlesex Volunteers, a truly noblo show roprosGutative regiments which upln’qj tho traditions of England’s mili' CfU .y powor. Tho rear of tho profession was brought up by the “ "liaudy ” men of tho navy. Irfimodiatoly preceding tho Govornc.i-. GoUeral’s carriage wore, uuattafhod rosorvo officers, vising conr.naudants, preceded oad a ]jy s taff officer, thon Lord UopoD o un’s carriage, followod by an escort 0 f 101 Now South Wales Dancers.

Twenty-ouo bands wore sfationod at various posts along tho route. As tho procession omorgod from tho Domain tho first arch representing one of tho colony’s principal products, it passod an arch constructed of blocks of coal with miniature derricks of mining appliances crowning it. Through this glistoning portal of tho city it ontorod Queen’s Square, a magnificent spectacle studded with beautiful carved pillars 30 feet high suspending canopy, tho groonory covering tho whole square. At tiro Quoon’s Statue undor tho leafy domo between tho pillars wore suspended tho names of tho various regiments present in tho colony. Tho whito pillars bore tho names of tho nations of tho world. Leaving tho square Macquarie street oponod a magnificont view, being throngod on either hand, with crowds of sightseers, tho largo stands from the Hospital to Parliament House looking like a human ant hill. Tho thoroughfare was festooned with groon, the colors festivo rod, white, and blue draping tho venotian masts, topped with silver crowns. The colors wero so well handled that nothing of an. inharmonious tone, provuilod ovoiy window, flags waved and tho people cheered and shouted. A number of Now Zealand Parliamentarians wore presont, including Witheford, Auckland, on tho balcony (this thoroughfare greeting membors of the contingents and Ministers as tlicy -passed the procession). All along tho route the Now Zealanders wero ac cordod a welcome, while tho Maoris Mere greatly admired. Passing the Government House gate a magnificent floral arch was soon bearing tlie word “Welcome ” and am emblem of blue gold. Turning Bridge street, which was flanked with Warehouses devoted to tho pastoral, and. agricultural industry of tho colony, ono naturally looked for omt Joins of theso, and. one was not disa'.ppointod. Opposite tho New Zealand Loan and Mercantile stand was a bea' utiful arch, pyramidical in form, surro .ounted with a golden crown covered t with wool, flanked ,by two rams an d a motto ox-: tending a wolcome to 'the land of tho golden fleece. From, -a Venotian mast was draped Lord Ho’potoun’s colors—blue and yellow. Tjoforo Pitt street was entered there w as an arch built of sheaves of wheat ejected with a plough on tho summit. The facade, of tho Exchango was covered witl.i transparencies, and tlie windows of tho groat warehouses wore crowded T vith spectators. On every floor the'fe was one continuous volley of cheering, increasing in volume as tho pets of tiro public—lndians, British troops, and battle-worn sons of the colonies—passed in reviow.

OTHER NATIONS’ TRIBUTE. The nations of tho world claim a. largo show in the decorations of tho city, and after the wheat arch was passed the French Avenue was entered by a noble arch. The avenuo was flanked with masts bearing emblems. La Belle France extends to Hunter Street, and one is grootod with tho names of Frenchmen familiar to early Australian history—La Perouso, Dontrecasteaux, and Boaugavillo. Coats: of arms of Paris, Lyons, and Bourdeaux find places, and the names of illustrious Frenchmen in science, art, literature, and engineering are inserted, while inscriptions on tho archway extend tho Republic’s welcome to Australian federation. High in tho air a Gallic rooster crows a greeting to tho festivq emu. Hunter street crossed, an aggressive bird is perched on an arch, beautifully decorated and bespangled. A spread eagle is Uncle Sam’s contribution. An assuvanco is given that tho United States greets United Australia and tho American nation hails tho now-horn nation. The Venetian masts in tho American avenue hear the emblems of various States, each mast being surmounted by a golden eagle. Entering Martin Placo, and passing the Post Office, tho scene is impressive. Thousands throng tho magnificent and gaily decorated stands, the colors of Hopetoun entwining the masts. Viewed from the Press Association stand the intermingling colors as each body of troops passes is marvellously effective. Now it is a shade of khaki, changing to a brilliant scarlet as the Life Guards' come into view with glittering cuira'sses, shell helmets, which in a.

sweltering atmospiioro could scarcely he deemed a fitting costume for the Sydney climate. In fact, m the long march tlio Britishers must have suffered a great deal from their heavy clothing,' for the heat was hard enough to bear riding in a carriage and suitably attired. The post office place presented a gorgeous kaleidoscopic view of the brazen helmets, Ilorse Guards, waving plumes, a moving mass of color thrown into relief by the black mass of people surrounding the square, burning into Georgo street the color scheme changes, but one thing that never alters is the throbbing humanity that occupies every spot where feothold or support can he obtained; a throng that cheers itself hoarse and never seems weary of practice. Shades of pale blue, white intermingled, with many fine mural decorations, is Sydney's main thoroughfare contribution. At the Town Ilall the Melbourne City Corporation tribute in (),o shape of a floral arch is passed thron'd! into Park street. This street is a mass of British flags of every design, leading up to the most beautiful aich of all tho Commonwealth. This arcli was erected by tho citizens, and tho best talent of tho city was lavished on it. It is built across the street at Hyde Park, and its fine proportions nro not interfered with by tho surrounding buildiims, as is tho case witli those in the city° It is decorated with bronzo parcels omblomatical. of Australia’s advanco in scieuco, arts, and indusLry, and has finely executed pictures showini’- the landing of Cook, tho arrival of tho first floet, and tho departure’ of troops for South Africa. Collego street is ontered benoatli tlio Gorman arch crowned with a golden Imperial ca-10, each column bearing n crown and two figures ropro3onting GormanAustralian inscription, “United Gormnny greets Commonwealth Australia.” Tho city is quittod by a beautiful' classical portal, erected to our comrades from ovor tho soas and to our comrades of tho southern sens. Then through a narrow thoroughfare Oxford Street is entered. Masses’ of people on stands soom to press right down on tlio procossion, and tho restricted narrow stroots makes tlio applause doafoning. A iiiazo of waving flags in tho hands of excited citizens malco tlio I)o\si ldoliug scene one which continues right through Oxford Street to tho Park gates. After two hours and tho Centennial Park is reached by tlio advanco guard of tho procession and tho weary folk got a broath of fresh air. Tlio park can hold a fow millions without crushing anyono and tho assomblngo awaiting is not excessive. Tlio bountiful white pavilion, on which is inscribed tho namos of tlio federating States, is railed off, and specially invited guests occupy tho onclosuro. To tlio right of tlio pavilion is a pretty sight. Ton thousand school children who talco part in the musical programme aro seated, and tlio pavilion itself is reserved for tho most distinguished, and in it waiting witn Lord Hbpotoun woro Sir Broderick Parley, Judges of tho Supremo Court, tho Primate, Admiral Boitous, mombovs of > tho Fedoyal Ministry, Messrs E. Soddon aud J. Carroll, Sir Edward Braddon, Sir Robert Stout, several bed ora l delegates, Mrs Sodden, Mrs Barton, Lady Forest, and many others. Iti tho centre is a tablo used by tho Queen to sign tlio original proclamation of tho Commonwealth. Within two and a half hours of starting (lie Governor-General is entering the Park and a royal salute is fired. Cheers which have been continuous as His Excellency cams along from tlio gates were renewed as he turned from his place in the procossion in tho pavilion, looking much better thru ho did on his official landing a few weeks ago. Lord Hopetonn bowed his acknowledgments to the enthusiastic crowds which followed in the wake of tho procession. Tho amphitheatre in which the pavilion is located is swarmed with people, and it is impossible to give anythin" liko an estimate of those present. As Lord Ilopotoan took his place in the pavilion the hymn "Oh God our Help in n"cs past.,” to tlio tune of_ Stainer’s was sung impressively by the choir of four hundred voices. Tho Archbishop followed with prayers for the Commonwealth and the Governor-General, and Llackmo.ifi, cleik of the South Australian Assembly, who is likely to become clerk of the 1 edcrn.l popular ihamber, read tho proclamations and Govort ---General’s commission. Amid cheers the C *nov took the oaths of office, and then tin deral Ministers were sworn, including I'. i O'Connor,two honorary Ministers. The sang Jackson’s “ To Dcum,” and t l y . Horse Artillery and lfoyal Field Artlllerv tired * salute of twenty-onc guns. Lord Hopctouri read cables from the Hon Mr Chamberlain that the Queen desired to express to the people of Australia her heartfelt interest in the in■uvmration of the Commonwealth and heartfelt wishes that under Divine Providence union will increase the well-being of her leva! subjects in Australia. The message was read amidst great and prolonged cheering. Lord Ilopctoun also read a cablegram from Mr Chamberlain assuring the people of Australia of tho good wishes of the Government for the future Commonwealth of Australia. A telegram of congratulation was also read from the Lieutenant-Governor of \ ictoria. The public school choir of ten thousand strong voices sang “ Federated Australia, and after the hallelujah chorus was rendered the ceremony concluded with “God Save the Queen,” sung by combined choirs. Ilis Excellency left the Park as the 1 rince of Wales Artillery fired another salute of nineteen guns. The visitors barely reached home Before Mature saluted the new nation with a, violent thunderstorm, and for an hour s dnration very heavy rain fell. It h now (0.30 p.m.) fine again.