NATIONAL UNITY.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 104, 11 May 1901, Page 3

NATIONAL UNITY.

MOST IMPRESSIVE CELEBRATIONS. By Tck-graph—Press Association-Copyright Melbourne, May 10. The Argus, commenting on the ceremony yesterday, says it was marked by tiro splendor and solemn impressiveness which benefited its historic importance. Ah a picture it was magnificent. The King's message was charged with warm feeling, not packed with great thought, and conies from the heart of tho Grown and goes straight to tho heart of tho people of Australia. The Argus declares that Sir I', bargood’s defeat was due to the labor party deciding to support him for the Presidency. Apparently there was a general resolve on the part of other members that the Labour contingent should not hold the balance of power. The investiture of knighthoods takes place at Government House to-morrow evening. A sight never to bo forgotten was the assemblage which greeted the Duke yesterday. Many thousands throughout Australia will’envy those privileged to form tho units of such a memorable occasion. As the Duke pronounced Parliament open the Duchess pressed an electrickey, which gave the signal for hoisting the Union Jack, and sending a message to England, declaring the Royal Envoys had accomplished their mission. Lieutenant Urn and sixtecori Maoris took part in the Royal escort, and were cheered at various points. When the Royal visitors crossed the bridge into the city, the stands were black with people. .Mighty cheers rang out, echoing up and down the river like the sound of thunder. 1 The Governor-General, too, came in for . an enthusiastic reception along the route, 1 which wits lined with military. The sight of tho day was seen tit tho ‘ steps of Parliament House. There, in interesting contrast, were navy and army c veterans of Great Britain, wearing an air ' of unconcealed pride in their medals. Numbering two hundred and fifty, they wore surrounded by boy soldiers of Vietoria to the number of four thousand live hundred. The little fellows were c perched on the steps, walls, balustrades 11 in endless lines of khaki, streaked with thin touches of red. The senior cadets in dark blue formed a guard of honor. 11 Most of the veterans wore medals from the New Zealand War, but here and 11 there were strong old men ready to show their medals for the Crimean War, Indian l Mutiny, and for ni.uiy a one ol Great A Britain’s little wars, of which there are so many that the very names sound B

strange. Most of the visitin',' warships lmvc berthed at l’ort Melbourne, and wore visited by twenty thousand people yesterday. The State concert this evening will he a most brilliant spectacle. It will be attended by the itoyul visitors. Sydney, May 10. There was a considerable display of bunting in the city and country yesterday in honor of the opening of the Federal i’urli,ament. Adelaide, May 10. Simultaneous with the opening of the Federal Parliament, asaluto of twenty-one guns was fired, the Town Hall bells wore r ung, and Union .lacks were hoisted in the cit,v ami country at a given signal. At night bonfires were lighted. lirisbane, May 10. The Presbyterian Assembly at the hour fixed for the opening of the Commonwealth Parliament, tillered a prayer for divine power to guide the deliberations of the Federal Legislature. A prominent feature of tho decorations at the Duke of York’s reception will bo an immense four-sided arch, composed of wool and other productions of the Stato.

THE FEDERAL POUGYBy Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Melbourne, May 10. There was a fair attendance of notables present in the Senate on the delivery of the Governor’s speech, which was lengthy, and set out that some time must elapse before the limmciul conditions of the Commonwealth will permit of provision being made for obi age pensions, but Ministers will deal with the subject as soon as possible. Hills dealing with banking, Navy, navigation, shipping, and quarantine will lie introduced as quickly as possible, while consideration will be given to the best means of converting, renewing, or consolidating the public debts of tho States. The fiscal proposals of any Federal Government must be largely dependent on the financial exigencies of the States. Thu adoption of tho existing tariff by* any one State will be impracticable atid uiijust. In order to secure a reasonable and sufficient return of surplus, revenue to each State, so as fairly to observe the intention of the constitution, while avoiding unnecessary* destruction of sources of employment, is it work which prohibits rigid adherence to fiscal theories, as existing 'tariffs have given rise to industries. “A Federal tariff must give fair consideration to these facts ; it must nocossarily operate protectively, as well as for the production of revenue. Attention will bo giv&n to tho construction of a railwav to connect Wcstralia and the Western JStates. If possible, universal penny postage will be established. With these additions. tho Speech was as already forecasted. ITho forecast as as follows: —Allusions will be made to the inauguration of the Commonwealth at Sydney, tho death of the Queen, the visit ol the Duke and Duchess of York to Australia. A uniform tariff will bo brought forward. The Speech will indicate the steps to be taken to select the Federal capital site. A Hill will bo introduced to establish a High Court of Justice, an inter-Statc Commission, and other machinery measures. Allusion will also be made to defence, uniformity postage, reservation of Australian interests in the Pacific Islands, a Bill conferring the franchise on women, immigration restriction, a Bill dealing with colored labor, and a compulsory Arbitration Bill.]

EFFECT OX THE TARIFF. p By Telegraph—Tress Association—Copyright £ (Received May 11. 1.20 n.m.) > "i Sydney, May 10. The delivery of the Governor-Genoval's t: speech caused a flutter in tire local ini- f: port market, importers being of opinion 4 that a consummation of the Federal tariff at an early date is a certainty. The speeu- *■ lative spirit is very marked. The volume of business is much larger ( than for a long time past. All leading im- t port lines, including metals, jutes, oils, r kerosene, candles, dried fruit, and packed ] goods, show a strong upward tendency. ] THE REVIEW. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received May 11. 12.5 n.m. j Melbourne, May 10. Flcmington Road was reminiscent of Cup day with its crowds of vehicles. Unfortunately the success of the review was marred by occasional showers of driving vain. Nevertheless there was an enormous attendance of the public. At two o'clock the Puke, iu the" uniform of a colonel ot the Grenadier.. Guards, arrived. He was attended by Lord Hopetoun. in the uui-f-’Um of a.-.ComluStider-in-Chief, l’rince Alexander .of Tcck, in the uniform of the Seventh Hussars, .Puke of Roxburgli»and A'iscount'Crichton m the uniform of the Royal Horse Guards. The Duchess and suitoxame in’u carriage. The Duke then rode down the lines and inspected the different regiments. After this was accomplished, the Royal' party took up a position in front of the Royal pavilion to wiinesss the march past of both arms of the service, naval and military, numbering 15,000 men and the cadets. . With the exception of the Victorian, the State infantry was under command of Colonel Polc-Penton. The whole of the Federal troops were under the supreme command of Maj ;r-Gene:a' French, The Federal Parliament adjourned over the Duke’s visit, and will resume on Tuesday week. The Royalties attended the Mayors .reception to-night.

COMMENTS IS LONDON. By Association — Copyright London, May 10. The newspapers publish columns of cables descriptive of the opening of the Federal Parliament. All comment on the tone of proved affection, echoing the King's good wishes. The Times predicts that the consequences of Australia's political expansion will be far-reaching and manifold, and will be inevitably followed by a corresponding expansion in other spheres.