INFANT CAPITAL

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 108, 10 May 1927, Page 7

INFANT CAPITAL

CENTRE OF CONTINENI Duke Opens Canberra 'Mid Great Rejoicing. NATION'S LUSTY GROWTH. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright. I SYDNEY, May 9. The most outstanding event in th< history of the Commonwealth anc the central objective of the world tour of the Duke and Duchess oi York, the inauguration of the Federal capital, Canberra, and tht opening of the new Parliament was enacted to-day in fine, exhilarating weather and with regal pomp and ceremonial. There was a great gathering of 35,00 C onlookers, who gave the Duke and Duchess a stirring reception. Those present included not only notable people oi Australia but also representatives of the British, Canadian, South African, New Zealand and Indian Parliaments. The ceremonies were, commenced by Their Royal Highnesses, preceded by the Governor-General and Lady Stonehaven, driving through the lines of naval, military and Air Force units. Machines of the Air Force provided an aerial escort. A Royal salute was fired and a fanfare of trumpets was sounded as this drive past took place. The Houses of Parliament and the special stands along the route were filled with invited guests. On the platforms at the entrawe and in Parliament House were the State Governors, Federal Ministers and their wives, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dame Nellie Melba and the heads of the Protestant denominations and other guests. Lord and Lady Stonehaven, with the Prime Minister, Mr. S. M. Bruce, C.H. and his wife, met the Duke and Duchess as they mounted the steps of Parliamenl House. There they were received by I the President and the Speaker. At this juncturi Dame Melba step ped forward an< sang a verse of th< National Anthem By request the as semblage refraine< from joining ii until the primi donna had finished Then a choir led th< public in a repeti tion of the verse The result was t great, unrestrained outburst of music wuicn naa a magnificent effect. The Nation's Joy. After the party had mounted the steps of Parliament House the Prime Ministei delivered a speech in which he expressed the national joy and satisfaction at the presence of the Duke and Duchess of York as the representatives of the King, who was the visible symbol of the Empire's unity and the centre of all its loyalty. Mr. Bruce recalled the fact that 2fl years ago the King had inaugurated the first Parliament of the Commonwealth. Since then Australia had emerged with a definite national consciousness and had evolved great policies which not only governed the lives of its people to-day but which future generations must inevitably follow. The Prime Minister referred to Australia's part in the war, which, he 6aid, had proved her worthy to endure. Within a period of a little more than a quarter of a century the nation had been born With humility in their hearts they ren dered thanks to Divine Providence foi all they had done and all they were. They rememberee with gratitude th( fostering care o the Mother Country and the protectioi enjoyed by Aus tralia under tl British flag. To-dai it was their solem duty to reaffirn their faith in theii country and theii devotion to the Throne and Empire Great though tht lia had been she was only on the threshold of achievement. He pictured a much greater future. "May those who enter these portalgovern with justice, reason and equal favour to all, in humility and without self-interest," 6aid Mr. Bruce. "May they do so with the voice of those who sent them here —the people. Let uf march forward to our destiny with firm purpose and high resolve." Amid deafening applause the Primr

golden key and asked him to open the door of the future home of the Parliament of the Commonwealth. "We recognise," he said, "that this occasion marks the beginning of a newera in the history of Australia. We look back on a story of accomplishment which fills us with pride. We look forward with confidence that we will prove worthy of the great destiny which liep before us." His Royal Highness opened the door of Parliament House, using the golden key, which will be preserved as a memento of the occasion. He was given a duplicate key, as also were the Premier and the Speaker. King's Statue Unveiled. When the door was opened, but before the threshold had been crossed, a short religious service was held. The blessing of Almighty God on the new capital was invoked. This service was conducted by the heads of the Anglican, Presbyterian and Methodist Churches. The Roman Catholic Church could not join in the service, the Apostolic Delegate, Monsignor Cattaneo, stating that the principles of the Church did not allow of this, although he fully agreed that the blessing of God should be invoked on the new capital. He arranged a special service that day, which was duly held, when Monsignor Cattaneo blessed the site of the capital and Parliament. The Royal and Vice-Regal groups and the invited guests next entered the buildings and the Duke there unveiled a etatue of King George. His Royal Highness next proceeded to the Senate Chamber, where further ceremonies were performed. The firing of a Royal salute and a repetition of the fanfare concluded this portion of the ceremonies at noon. Later the Duke held an investiture and at 1 p.m. attended an official lun-