THE COMMONWEALTH CELEBRATIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 299, 17 December 1900, Page 5

THE COMMONWEALTH CELEBRATIONS.

(By Cable—Press Association.) (Copyright.) . THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL. WELCOME IN SYDNEY. A MAGNIFICENT SPECTACLE. SYDNEY, December 15. A typical Australian day greeted the arrival of Lord Hopetoun, the Governor-General. Early in the morning the naval squadron and the mercantile fleet were astir. The ocean liners took up positions along the foreshores, in a line, while the intercolonial steamers proceeded with the fleet to sea to meet the Royal Arthur, which left Jervis Bay after midnight. After the flotilla got underweigh at eight o'clock, it proceeded in two lines, led by the Admiral aboard the Porpoise, and the cruiser Archer. On clearing the Heads a fresh breeze was blowing, with just sufficient sea to give movement to the ' scene, thefagh more than enough to discommode poor sailors. About nine o'clock the Royal Arthur appeared on the horizon, under a full head of steam. The sight was a very impressive one as the-fleet manoeuvred to allow the Royal Arthur to pass between the lines. When the incoming vessel was abreast of the two first warships, the latter turned outward and fired a salute the succeeding vessels performing the same manoeuvres, the Wai- _ are being the only vessel of the. mercantile flotilla to fire a salute as the Royal Arthur came abreast. As soon as the Royal Arthur had run the gauntlet of the two lines they merged into one and followed the flagship back to port, which formed a noble panorama with the Botanical Gardens and Government House grounds, bright with flowers and foliage, as a foreground, the wooded hills on the opposite side of the harbour as a. background, countless thousands lining the wide sweep of the foreshores, and crowding flotilla dotting the water of the bay. the flagship, followed by the escorting vessels, putting the final touch to the magnificent spectacle as she swept between the long line of steamers and sailing vessels, gaily decorated with bunting, moored on each side of the harbour to her anchorage at Farm Cove.

The. Governor-General was transferred to a pinnace, and landed amid the booming of a salute of 10 guns. fired by the forts, and the cheers of the great concourse.

He was escorted 1o a handsome reception pavilion, decorated with Australian flora, and with floral shields bearing the names of the federating colonies, and of New Zealand, and the dependencies of the Empire, the apex being formed of a large golden crown. Hero His Excellency was received and welcomed by the Premier, and introduced to the Ministers. Mayor, and heads of religious bodies, who accorded him ■ a hearty welcome. He was presented with an address by Sir Matthew Harris, on behalf of the alderman and citizens.

Lord Hopetoun made short and appropriate replies to the welcomes.

A procession, headed by the mounted police, and escorted by military and naval detachments, under command of Major-General French, and including the New Zealand troops recently arrived from South Africa, was formed.

Lord Hopetoun's carriage was followed by those containing the Admiral, Archbishop, members of the Executive Council, members of both Houses of Parliament, heads of the Churches and the public bodies, in the order named.

From the landing place the procession proceeded through the Domain to Macquarie-street, and via King, George, Pitt, and Fridge. Streets, to Government House, the route being lined with troops, while bunting was everywhere, though the effect was somewhat marred by the unfinished preparations for the bigger event on January 1. The streets were packed with dense crowds, and great •enthusiasm was displayed. Lord Hopetoun, who plainly showed the effects of illness, looked very weary. He entered the gates of Government House to the strains of "Home, Sweet Home." When the Waikare, with 400 guests aboard, returned, the health of the Queen and of the Governor-General ! was drunk. The hospitality of the Union Company was similarly honoured. The Zealandia also participated in the procession at sea. SYDNEY, December 10. Lord Hopetoun is gratified nt the warmth of his reception. He suffered no ill effects from the exertion. SYDNEY, this day. It is estimated that 100,000 people viewed the arrival of Lord Hopetoun. His early arrival and the fact that no public holiday was proclaimed affected the attendance. It is understood Lord Hopetoun's earliest Act will be to arrange a provisional Federal Ministry. The Governor stood Saturday's ordeal well, but is at present suffering a slight reaction.