The Commonwealth.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 2, 3 January 1901, Page 2

The Commonwealth.

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES,

By Telegraph—Press Association—Cop; right. SYDNEY, Jan. 1. Tlio Governor-Goneral lias received congratulatory messages from Tasmania, Mr Ward, the New Zealand Government, and the colonists of Natal. Lieut.-General Gaseleo cabled good wishes from tho China Gold force to Australia, which so opportunely assisted with a valuable contingent. Messages also caruo from Sir Heniy Berkeley, Chief Justice of Fiji; from the Australians at Salisbury, Rhodesia ; from the Norwegian Premier; from tho Administrator of the Netherlands ; and from India. Tho Australian Society at New York wired: “ Felicitate you and tho nation to-day ” ; and from the American Consul-General at Melbourne.

To-day is practically an off day. The Scotchmen having given up New Year’s Day in favor of the- inauguration ceremonies held high festival to-day in the Cricket Ground. Crowds witnessed tho Highland sports, and the scene and the animated colors of tho many military contingents mixing amongst the throng, heightened the effect. Tho Southland Pipers excited much applause by their free playing.’ The Governor-General visited the ground during tho afternoon, every soldier standing to salute when tho Governor appeared. Many of the loading citizens attended luncheon, and tho usual toasts wore drunk with Scotch enthusiasm. The speeches were of the briefest. Sir W. Lyne replied to the toast of tho Commonwealth. lie apologised for tho absence of the Federal Premier.

Lord Hopetoun despatched messages to the Hon. Mr Chamberlain in reply to those from tho Queen and Imperial Government on bohalf of himself and Ministers of the Commonwealth : “ Express deop gratitude of her subjects throughout Australia for tho Queen’s most gracious message. They heartily join with Her Majesty and hope that Divine Providence may grant increase of prosperity and well-being to devoted subjects in this now nation within its Empire, and and it is tho earnest desire of those subjects that her noble and gracious Majesty will bo spared to watch and encourage tho development of the Empire in peace, mutual trust, and love.”

LONDON, Jan. 2. Tho Times says that tho note of loyalty and love for the Sovereign and Motherland as pronounced in Sydney is a notable triumph in the larger freedom or hope of a great future destiny.

The Daily News expresses the hope that Australians will develop a noble type of national life, and a lofty standard of public duty. All papers are sympathetic, and predict a splendid future for the Commonwealth. The Duke of York has been gazetted Bear-Admiral. All Australian Agents-General have been lavishly decorated in honor of the Commonwealth. The Daily Telegraph says that tho Commonwealth is a great stride in tho direction of Imperial Federation. EIEE BRIGADE DEMONSTRATION. January 2. A splendid display by the United Fire Brigades was held in the Prince Alfred Park. After the procession, which passed through the main streets, the brigades proceeded to demonstrate the difference between the fire appliances of to-day and those of last century. Ancient fire engines, worked by equally ancient firemen, gave a

fine picture of tho early system, thoso representing the work of last century wearing appropriate uniforms. An eighteenth century engino named “Niagara” put up a fine stream of water for so unsystematic a piece of machinery. Side by side there worked one of the most modem steam firo engines that Sydney possessed. Tho display from an historical point of view was very interesting. Tho woatlior was fiuo but warm. CONGRATULATIONS. A second -message says: “At the request of my Ministers I desire to express their gratification at the way in which tho message from tlie Queen was everywhere received. They do believe that by federation oommunitio.s which have divided tasks and responsibilities will arrive at a settlement. In Australia and Tasmania a further step has been taken towards permanent empire. We also wish to express confidence that no desire or ability on tho part of the states to render services to Queen or Empire will bo diminished, hut on the contrary both will be enhanced by the union of forces and resources of tho Commonwealth." Two other messages describe tile showering attendant enthusiasm, Lord Hopclonn stating that tho plaudits of tho people testified their high appreciation of the Queen’s choice of himsolf, and her actiou in sending Imperial troops to grace tne ceremony. The city to-night was magnificent, all tho illuminations being in full swing. It was in better working order than last night, dense throngs promenading the main thoroughfares. Tho avenue of nations was gorgeous, and tho extreme scenic effect was brilliant. Tlio post office tower was a glittering column standing sentinel-like in a great transformation scene, for it is that and nothing more. Electricity is chiefly employed, and given hour the movement of a few swatches converts a dashing city into a picture of sparkling magnificence. Tho conversaziono in tho Town Hall was a brilliant if crowded assemblage. Two thousand guests attended, and a musioal jirograuuno was presented. Tho military, too, had a gay gathering at the barracks, where a military tattoo w r as conducted. A continental gathering was held in the Domain, which, together with the various parks, was transposed into a fairyland by myriads of colored lamps, intorwound with foliage, on every tree top. THE ONE PATHETIC NOTE. Bands were appropriately stationed playing popular airs, and the Highlanders wound up festivities of the day by a concert such as ia dear to the hearts cf Scotia’s sons. Amidst all tho rejoicing one pathetic noto is hovering in memory of tho man who did so much to bring about the rejoicings of tho hour—Sir Henry Parkcs. Tho veteran sleeps in seclusion in the cemetery at Eanleon Bridge, and while yesterday’s events were in progress his grave was covered with many jbeautiful wreaths.

HjLord Hopotoun entertained the high offioial guests at dinner, and honor was shown to Now Zealand by placing Mr Scddon next to the Federal Premier.