THE AUSTRALIAN CENTENARY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1692, 31 January 1888, Page 4

THE AUSTRALIAN CENTENARY.

Sidney, Jan, 27.

Lord Garington has received a cable message from Her Majesty the Queen congratulating the Australian colonies on the splendid material and social progress achieved in the past hundred years. Her Majesty also expresses her deep appreciation at the loyalty of Australia, and says that she has watched with sincere interest th« excellent administration of their respective Governments, and prays that their prosperity and close attachment to the Mother Country may continue to increase as hitherto. His Excellency replied stating that Her Majesty’s telepram bad been read at the State banquet amidst great cheering and enthusiasm, ail the Australian Governors, as well as one thousand guests, including most'of the leading statesmen and citizens of Australia, being present. At the banquet last night Sir Henry Parkes presented Lord Garington with the first commemoralion medal struck. The design is a very appropriate one. On one side is a picture of Britannia, with Ike word “Australia’* printed over the top. Underneath, at the base of Britannia, is the date of the anniversary, “January 26, 1788,’’ surmounted by “G.R.’V with a crown between G.R. The device on the other side is encircled with a wreath of Australian flowers, in the centre of which is the badge of the colony, surmounted by the Imperial crown, and surrounded by the motto, “Orta receos nnquara pura nites,'’ and ‘ the figures 1888. Each of the Governors are to receive a medal. After presenting the medal Sir Henry ParheS proposed “ Australasia ; her trials and triumphs in the past, and her union and progress.*' Lord Carnarvon and the various Premiers replied to the toast of the “ Honored Guests of the Mother Country.” Sir William Fitzherbert, on behalf of New Zealand, offered congratulations and sympathy to the sister colony on such an occasion, and expressed regret at the unavoidable absence of New Zealand Ministers from the banquet. The centenary was generally celebrated in the other colonies yesterday, the day being set apart as a special holiday. The Centennial Regatta, which took place to-day on the Parramatta course was a brilliant success. The Senior Fouroared Outrigger Race was won the Sydney Rowing Club. The Sculling Race, in wager boats, was won by Peter Kemp (Hawkesbury),: W. Hearn (New Zealand) 2, C. Nelson (Sydney) 3, The Yacht Race was won by Milsom’s Era, by 20 min. Four others started. The Era was at scratch. During the day a number of boats capsized or swamped, but for tunately none of the accidents were attended with fatal consequences.

The harbor illumination took place this evening and was a grand spectacle. The bay was lit up with the electric light shown from the squadron and other vessels and there was a continuous ascent of rockets, which were fired from all points in the harbor. At Government House this evening there was a grand dinner party, which was largely attended. All the notabilities were present. Jan. 28.

An industrial exhibition took place to-day. A large procession, in which thirty-seven Societies took part, represented all the industries in the colony. Lord Carington laid the foundation stone of the Trades Hall, and, at the conclusion •f the ceremony the Procession proceeded to Prince Alfred Park and the exhibition building. A grand gala is now being held.