LANDING CELEBRATED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 85, 20 January 1938, Page 6

LANDING CELEBRATED

GOVERNOR PHILLIP’S ARRIVAL. CEREMONY AT BOTANY BAY. (United Press Association—Copyright.) SYDNEY, January 18. Preparations for the 150tli anniversary celebrations and the Empire Games are proceeding in, feverish haste in Sydney. Decorations on Government and other big buildings will be on a lavish scale. City streets will be beflagged and festooned from one end to the other, and most elaborate emblems and illuminated devices are already in the process of erection at cons£eeuous points. What will be known as the “Anniversary Pageant,” to be held on January 26—a processon of floats symbolic of Australian nationhood —will absorb 1500 people of all ages and types, even to full-blooded aborigines. The first official ceremony associated with the 1938 celebrations, namely, the arrival of Governor Phillip at Botany Bay was commemorated to-day. Almost exactly as it had fluttered triumphantly 150 years ago, the Union Jack of Queen Anne used by Governor Phillip was flown at Kurnell. On the shore at Botany Bay a distinguished gathering saw the embossed pennant unfurl in a strong breeze that swept over the spot where, even before Governor Phillip, Captain Cook himself had landed.

But the beach to-day was transformed by the wand of modernity, revealing guards of honour from, the Australian Navy and Artillery, boy and girl scouts and massed bands, with Air Force aeroplanes zooming overhead. The Governor (Lord Wakehurst) described the ceremony as one of great significance and a fitting prelude to the celebrations beginning next week. He related incidents of the landing of Governor Phillip and the foundation of the first settlement and read the historic document which commanded Governor Phillip to set up a settlement. Other speakers included the Premier (Mr B. S. B. Stevens) and Rear-Ad-miral R. H. 0. Lane-Poole, The latter traced the naval career of Captain Phillip and visualised the pride with which he would regard Sydney to-day. He added that the Navy was very proud that this great country was founded by a naval officer.