QUEBEC TERCENTENARY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 415, 25 July 1908, Page 3

QUEBEC TERCENTENARY.

The Genius of British Ruie. Plains of Abraham. Ottawa, July 23. After deluging rains, the weather at Quebec became suddenly and brilliantly fine, and the celebrations of the tercentenary of the founding of Quebec by the French navigator Samuel Champlain (in 1608) were yesterday inaugurated most successfully, amid immense enthusiasm. All the ships in the St. Lawrence were dressed with flags and bunting, and the ancient city .of Quebec, crowning the heights, was gaily decorated, the whole presenting a scene of entrancing beauty. The leviathan cruiser Indomitable, with the Prince of Wales aboard, round Point Levis (opposite Quebec) shortly before 3 p.m., amid a deafening salute from the international fleet and tumultuous demonstration from the popu-

lace, dropped anchor between long double lines of battleships, all dressed with bunting and manned in honour of the occasion. The Admirals and Captains of the Atlantic Fleet, the Governor General of Canada (Karl Grey), the Prime Minister of Canada (Sir Wilfred Laurier), Mr C. W. Fairbanks (Vice-President of the United States), and other international representatives were present.

-j On the Prince of Wales and the brilliant party landing, Sir Wilfred Laurier presented an address from the Parliament and people of Canada, warmly welcoming the Prince, and briefly tracing the history of Quebec and of the Dominion from the time of Champlain’s landing three hundred years ago down to the present day. The Prince of Wales replied in English and in French. He said that King Edward was mindful of the unswerving loyalty of the Canadians, and followed him with an affectionate interest everything concerning the welfare and development of the Dominion. The Prince then dwelt on the proved fidelity of the French Canadians, which was one of the greatest tributes to the political genius of England’s rule. It was a source of deep satisfaction to King Edward, and to all who were proud of British institutions, to know that British and French Canadians were working hand-in hand for the upbuilding of the Dominion. He. anticipated with the keenest interest the coming impressive ceremonies, ' when the past and present history and position of Canada, would be presented upon a stage, of unsurpassed natural beauty. He cordially approved the project to set apart, as a public - park and national asset, the battleground of the Plains of Abraham, which was hallowed by the associations of the past. Tie;. ,Earl of Dudley (GovernorGeneral of the Commonwealth of Australia), the Duke of Norfolk, Lord Roberts, and Lord Ranfurly were allqted prominent places on the Royal dais, i Sir Wilfrid Laurie”, waving his hat, called for cheers for the Prince ■ of Whies, which were heartily given. The Prince was then driven through the tortuous preci- ' pitous streets of' Quebec to the citadel.