DOMINION DAY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 27 September 1907, Page 2

DOMINION DAY.

NEW PLYMOUTH'S CELEBRATIONS. Dominion Way in New Plymouth opened boisterously, heavy rain and wind being experienced in the morning. Tiie rain cleared oil' before noon, and tiie afternoon wa& bright and .sunny, though windy. Business places observed the usual half-holiday, but banks and the Government oilieea closed. Flags were iiown 011 the public and other buildings in the town. The Dominion Day "celebrations" were brief. The Taranaki Rifles and Guards assembled at the Drill llall, and, headed by the Taranaki Garrison Baud, marched to the. Racecourse. At 3 o'clock His Worship the Mayor and Mrs. Dockrill, borough councillors, and borough stall, with several citizens, mounted the platform. The military formed in a hollow •square. The oilicers on parade were Colonel Okey, Major Malone, Captain , and Adjutant Weston, (Juartermaster- , Captain Okey, cx-Quartermaster-Captain . Cock, Captain Bellringer (Rifles), Capf tain Mills (Guards), Lieutenants Beadle . and Humphries, llis Worship announced 1 that he had been asked by the Prime 3 Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, to read the a following proclamation:— ,

BY THE KING. • Whereas we have on the petition of the members of the legislative Council and House of Representatives of our colony of Kev: Zetland determined that the title of the Dominion of New Zealand be substituted for that of the Colo.iv of New Zealand as the designation of the said colony, we have therefore by and with the advice of our Privy Council thought fit to issue this our Royal Proclamation, and we do ordain, declare, and command that on and after the twenty-sixth day of September, one thousand nine hundred and seven, the said Colony of New Zealand and the territory belonging thereto shall be called and known by the title of the Dominion of New Zealand. And we hereby give our commands to all public departments accordingly. Given at our Court at Buckingham Palace this ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord one'thousand nine hundred and seven, in the seventh year of our reign. GOD SAVE THE KING.

The volunteers then fired a fcu-de-joie s with blank cartridge, the band playing 11 the National Anthem as the New Zea- ; land ensign iluttered in the breeze. The ' military force then presented the gen- < eral salute. The Mayor led off three i cheers for His Majesty the King and for the Dominion of New Zealand. His Worship then, addressing the crowd, said that probably on this auspicious occasion a few words would not be out of place. They had that day passed from the status of a colony to that of a Dominion. One peculiar feature in connection with the conferring of this distinction was that of all the self-governing colonies this was the smallest in area. But we made up for that in other ways. There was only one other Dominion incorporated in the Empire, and when that was formed it marked the union of several States. In that connection it was worth remembering that this proclamation affected the colony's dependencies, which would now be brought into the Dominion. He trusted that in t'ime other islands would bo brought into the Dominion. The people who governed New Zealand had had long dealings with a native race, and had governed them iii a humane and kind manner that tended to raise them in the scale of humanity, in the arts of peace, this Dominion, one of the smallest self-governing countries in the Empire, took the lead, comparatively speaking. In proportion to its population it had the largest exports and imports per head in the British dominions. This was due largely to the fact that the country was more fertile, and to the fact that its people had all the agricultural and industrial energies that their forefathers had displayed in a pre-eminent degree. Thus, from the point of' view of the arts of peace we occupied a position of I which we might be justly proud. Coming to the other extreme, His Worship said that when the British flag" was in danger and threatened with its direst days, this colony was the first to despatch a contingent to her assistance, and New Zealanders were the first to land in South Africa to aid in upholding the old flag. These thoughts gave us some right to the added status now conferred. Mr. Doekrill dealt at some length with the legislation of the colony, which, he mentioned, was being used as the basis for enactments of a similar nature in older countries. He instanced the Old- • age Pensions Act. Some of the best minds in the Old Country had been devoted for years to the devising of some such scheme, but had not yet succeeded. As to labour laws, he predicted that the Administration of this Dominion would eventually bring about commercial peace, benefiting both employer and employee by wise legislation. New Zealand had been the first, too, to enact a measure for advances to settlers, and he considered that that Act had much to do with the vast increase in the imports and exports, for whilst it had helped I lie settler, not one shilling had been lost in the transactions. It was important that the Asiatic races should find no place here. We should endeavour to keep the white race pure, morally and socially, and to work hand in hand for the raising of the race to a higher plane than that on which we found it. He trusted that the prosperity of the Dominion would increase more and more and that, the end and aim of its Legis-' lature would J>e to so improve, conditions that this would always be the brightest gem in the British crown. After thanking those present for attending, he concluded by trusting that from tins epoch in our history the colony's wealth and prosperity would become even greater than in the past. He announced the Premier's intention of presenting medals to the school-children. ° Cheers for the Premier and for the Mayor and Mayoress concluded the function. CELEBRATIONS THROUGHOUT THE COLONY.

*rj. er Association. Wellington, List Night. Donumon Day generally was celebrated throughout the colony in accordance with the programme laid down in each place. The weather was wet at \\ anganm, Dannevirke, Nelson. HokitivX'f* Carterton. At Christcmirch thrc'itened, but held off. At Invercargill rnin fell overnight, but cleared. Elsewhere was fine. In one or two of the smaller towns the proceeding were perfunctory, but at the •iVrf'n °i' n T "'° VO Was " nloh onth"sim, and a large tiirn-ont. W , Wellington, Later. the 7 ? for the celebration of Dominion Day.' Large crowds assembled at Parliament Buildings m the morning, and at II o'clock the Right Hon.. Sir Joseph Ward read the Kings Proclamation, declaring New Zealand to be n, Dominion, His Excellency the Governor was present, and there was a numerous attendance of .military forces. A cablegram from King Edward expressing congratulations was re:ul. Lord and Lady Plunket entertained a Parliamentary party at luncheon. * ftenvards there was n. great popn'•r gathering at Newtown Park, where about 1(1,000 persons attended. Speeches were delivered by the Governor and Premier. There was a presentation and consecration of colors, Bishop Wallis re.iiding the prayer ordered to be us,>d on such occasions. About two thousand guests subsequently attended a reception at Government House.

The city was gaily illuminated in the evening. really magnificent displays being mnile by means of colored electric lights on the Government House, Parlimcnt Buildings, and the principal Government odices, and the General Post Office,

A torchlight procession was formed at .Government Buildings and marched to tne Town Hall, where a public reception was held, and further speeches of a patriotic character were delivered hy TJis Excellency the Governor, the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, and the Hon. T. W. Hislop, Mayor of Wellington:

The weather was exceedingly pleasant throughout, and the whole proceedings were marked by enlhusiasm. Hawera, September 2(1. Some enthusiasm was displayed in connection with the Dominion Day celebrations. The cadets, volunteer officers. band and townspeople assembled

at the Council chambers; where the Mayor read the proclamation. Subsequently the flag was saluted by the sehoolcliidven and patriotic speeches made. Thmodin, Last Night. The Dominion Day celebrations 'here yieto highly successful, public enthusi-

asm running high. The proclamation was read by the Mayor (Air Loudon), iiom the Town Hall steps in the presence of a large crowd. An adjournment was then made to the Triangle, where speeches were delivered by the .tlon, J. A. Millar and Mr Hosking, K.C. tiie people present numbering about IOJ.'vO. Ah the Oo;riiiti<;!i \y ;! ■hoisted, a royal salute mis fired, 1 The oponing of the new art gallery tnen took place, the speakers at thi'a function being the Hon. J. A. Millar, Hen, T. Fergus, Rev. Dr. Nisbit, and Mr (I I'enwick, The last-nened presented the trustees with a portrait in oils of

drs G. McLean, to whose energy the success of the scheme for erecting the new gallery was largely duo. In the afternoon, a military display was heM at Forbury Park, and the colors consecrated and presented po the First Battalion of the Mounted Rifles, and First Battalion of Infantry, Thames, Last Night, 'hero was a good attendance of'the | public nt the Dominion Day celebrations held al. Victoria reserve. There \vns a poor attendance of volunteers but a splendid turn-out of ihe cadet battalion. Considerable entlmsiism was shown. The Mayor rend the Proclamation, also the Prime Minister'# telegram, amidst cheers. The presentation ] of colors to the Hauraki Battalion, and Iho consecr-ition and trooping of same then took place. The colors are a set of the six. presented to Auckland battalions and regiments represented in the South African war.

Nelson, Last Night. Dominion Day was observed- as a close holiday in Nelson, and- in the morning the volunteer battalions paraded in the Botanical reserve, wljfre the Proclamation wns read by the'tylayor, and the Dominion ensign saluted. A royal salute of twenty-one guns was fired hv tlio artillery. In the afternoon the King's colors were consecrated, and nresented to the mounted and infantry battalions. The proceedings were mar-

red by rain. Napier, T net N'giit. Dominion Day wns observed as a public holiday. The Proclamation was road by the Mayor, addresses being given by the Mayor, Mr Justice Button, and various other leaders in religious and commercial circles. There was a large muster of volunteers. In the evening, an electric light, display was mrile by the Napier Gas Co. Palmerston North, Last Night.

The Dominion Day programme.. waa changed here on account of the ril'ainous weafherT A procession of volunteers, cadets, bands and fire brigade had been arranged, but the abandoned nvoeeedings were carried on in the Opera House. The volunteers and cadets formed a march past a-d ge''tl'm°n delivered ad Irenes. The Salv'tici Arinv band played the Nation il Anthem of New Zealand, nlso various patriotic airs previous to the night's programme. The Mayor read the Proclamation from 'he Post Office steps at 11 a.m. Timaru, Last Night.

The celebration of Dominion Day was talcon rather (iniotlv hero,- the nor'west weather being adverse to a large Cohering. Only t'iie usual half-holiday was observed. At 11 a.m., the Ma.yor read the Proclamation, and the ensign was saluted. At 2.30 p.m-, the volunters marched to Caroline Bay, where the morning ceremony was repeated, and the Mn.yor gave an address, giving reasons for approving of the change of the title. The King's colors were then consecrated, and presented by the Mayor to the South Canterbury M.R. regiment and to the infantry battalion, and the colors were received with all due ceremony by the representative companies. A march past concluded the ceremonv.

Greymouth, Last Night. Ihe weather was very wet for the Dominion Day celebrations, and greatly marred the pleasure of the holiday. Elaborate arrangements had been made for fittingly observing the day, including sports, children's treat, etc. Despite the weather, a large crowd assemiucu at the Town Hall, and in presence of volunteers cadets, and school children, the Mayor read the proclamation and delivered a patriotic speech. The children were entertained at games in the Town Hall in the afternoon, and a ino n ster concert was held in the evening. The Hon. Mr. Marshall, travelling in the train to Greymouth, read the proclamation to the passengers sharp at 11 o'clock. CONGRATULATIONS FROM SISTER STATES.

The Premier has received the following messages:— f FROM TRANSVAAL.

1* ro,m Pretoria the Premier has received the following message:—"Please accept heartiest congratulations and best wishes upon the new era, and may increased prosperity come to New Zealand. lam convinced that the change will cause a strengthening of the hoiuls of the different colonies. Am especially pleased with the progress during your Government.—Botha, Premier." FROM CANADA. ''Best wishes and all success to the new Dominion.—Laurier." FROM VICTORIA.

"We heartily congratulate New Zealand on attaining the dignity of a Douiuion.—Bent, Premier Victoria." FROM QUEENSLAND.

"'Trust New Zealand will be as happy as a Dominion as she has been as a colony.—liidson, Queensland Premier." FROM CAPE COLONY. "On behalf of Cape C .ony, I desire to convey to you and liio people of New Zealand our sincere congrutuhu tions upon the elevation of New Zealand to the status of a Dominion. We rejoice in your welfare and advancement. —Jameson, Premier." FROM FIJI. "Warmest greetings to New Zealand and yourself on the important changei.— Everard Im Tliurin, High Commissioner forFi i L " . xs.ijskliit "My best wishes for a happy future of tho Dominion, Regret absence of Powerful prevents my being present.— Admiral Fawkes, Sydney," The Consuls representing the German, French, ■ Austrian and Italian residents in New Zealand have also telegraphed expressing goodwill ;ind congratulations, FROM NATAL."""" j

From Pietenuaritzburg comes the following:—"On behalf of the Government and the people of Natal I heartily congratulate you, your Government, and your colony on the attainment of its majority. May the Dominion long be a prosperous part of our common Empire—Moore, Prime Minister." FROM NEWFOUNDLAND. St. Johns, September 24"I sincerely wish the Dominion of New Zealand the fullest measure of prosperity.—Bond, Premier." FROM NEW SOUTH WALES. Received Sept. 25tli, 0.25 p.m. Sydney, September 26. the New Zealand Government agency was decorated inside and out in honor of Dominion Day. A large number of New Zealanders visited the agency to mark the iee.tsion.

In reply to a cable from Sir Joseph Ward, sending Dominion Day greetings, Mr Cirruthers (New South Wales' Premier) cabled to Sir Joseph Ward congratulating the people of the Dominion on to-day's event, adding that it was a recognition of tho successful work wliieh New Zealanders have accomplished in their colonisation ailfl self-government. FROM FEDERAL PARLIAMENT. .Received Sept. 26, 9.25 p.m. Melbourne, September 28. In the House, Mr. Deakin moved tint the Speaker forward to the Government [.of New Zealand a congratulatory message on the assumption of tho title of Dominion. The Right. Hon. 6. H. Reid seconded, and the motion was carried unanimous* ly. -■ , ; . !;. ,M• j! FEDERAL PARLIAMENT REFERENCE.

Received Sept. 27tli, 0.10 a.m. Melbourne, September 20. ' Mr Deakin, in the Assembly, suggested that the congratulatory message re the Dominion from tho Commonwealth, might be a graceful acknowledgment of the faot that tfoil MSM

to Other outlyi„g™Zr of bl ttlr ' ■ pire. Tney were not only 0 f n» Jtoek, but the whole trend of tion and the whole character of the two ' ■ countries was identical, and they were narchmg side by side. Australians" nad not only the warmest regard, but the deepest interest in the future of m , "' 0 ~ r( -: ssivfi Dominion, n, , i," ] ' in se «on<Jing, said he thought Mr Doakin had done the right ■ prefiaincr the of L pwaasrs;

THE MESSAGE. Keceiv-ed Sept. 27, 1.0 a .m. Melbourne, September 26. The message adopted by both Houses and forwarded to Sir Joseph Ward is as follows:—The Comomnwealth heartily congratulates the Dominion of -the South on its new and appropriate desigi y T' p f pl(! ' w ' lr>8 ® blood is our blood, whoso hopes and aims are also ours, Aueralia wishes a still further advance in your career of progress, social and industrial, which has reflectI llls «" upon Australia."