FAR-OFF LANDS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 106, 7 May 1935, Page 7

FAR-OFF LANDS.

FAR-FLUNG EMPIRE.

Remarkable Patriotism and

Loyalty Shown. PUBLIC DEMONSTRATIONS. (United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 12 noon.) LONDON, May C. Scencs of unprecedented enthusiasm and pageantry were witnessed in Hongkong in celebration of the King's Silver Jubilee. Special trains and steamers at the week-end brought tens of thousands of people from Canton and all outposts, and accommodation is taxed to its utmost. The weather was glorious and the processions were on a lavish scale. There was a riot of colour, silver and golden dragons 300 ft long, and hundreds of legendary emblems. All the arrangements have been completed for magnificent illuminations tonight in which Army and Navy searchlights and illuminated aeroplanes will play a prominent part. Chinese residents have arranged for a spectacular fireworks display, which they believe heralds an era of prosperity under His Majesty's rule. A Calcutta message says remarkable demonstrations of loyalty were displayed in the Silver Jubilee celebrations throughout India to-day. Impressive ceremonies were held in the religious institutions in every town and village. Full dress parades were held at all military stations, and in all the Indian States. At night the buildings in the large towns were floodlit, and there were fireworks displays and torchlight tattoos. South Africans En Fete. A Capetown dispatch says that brilliant sunshine favoured the celebrations throughout the Union. The public thronged the city and participated in a long programme, ranging from thanksgiving services to race meetings. The streets were given over to the crowds parading past the decorated buildings and watching the troops pass. The Governor-General, the Earl of Clarendon, who lately underwent a tragic bereavement (his son was accidentally killed while shooting), curtailed his participation in the festivities. Nevertheless, he attended two churcli services and the military and naval review. General Smuts, the acting-Premier, was the chief figure at the crowded and enthusiastic meetings of citizens. Everv back-country village throughout South Africa celebrated the occasion. The natives of Swaziland participated in an impressive gathering at the capital, at'which the paramount chief made a loyal speech to-night. Dense crowds thronged Capetown streets, seeing the illuminations, which are on a splendid scale. Impressive military and Air Force displays were held at Johannesburg, Pretoria and Salisbury. Australia Pays Tribute. There was a brief official ceremony in connection with the Silver Jubilee today on the steps of Parliament House, at Canberra, in which the GovernorGeneral, Sir Isaac Isaacs, the actingPrime Minister, Dr. Earle Page, Federal Ministers, and their wives, and Government officials participated. The Governor-General delivered a speech in which he paid a tribute to Their Majesties and expressed the profound loyalty of the Australian people. Rain marred the thanksgiving festival and military review in Centennial Park, Sydney, but the entire programme was carried out, thousands of people being drenched. Bishops and ministers in sacred vestments were there beside Ministers of State and uniformed heads of all the defence forces. Nine Air Force aeroplanes roared overhead as the Governor, Sir Alexander liore-Ruthven, rode on a black charger to the saluting base, where he received the Royal salute. Japanese at Sydney. The Japanese admiral and three princes off the visiting Japanese warships, together with the ConsulGeneral for Japan, Mr. Murai, were among the large group of prominent people on the official dais. A display by children was postponed until Wednesday owing to rain. Features of the country celebrations in all parts of Australia were the unveiling of the King's portrait and tree planting by various municipal authorities. In the harbour this evening, warships of the Australian Navy and the visiting Japanese warships were dressed and illuminated, as were aeroplanes soaring overhead. Crowds lined both sides of the harbour in spite of showery weather.

Victoria's Manifestations. The most outstanding event in connection with the Silver Jubilee celebrations in Melbourne to-day was a review of 4500 naval, military and Air Force troops in Royal Park. The salute was taken by the Governor, Lord Huntingficld. Sports gatherings, races and football matches were held in the afternoon. There was a fireworks display on the banks of the River Yarra in the evening. Special services of thanksgiving were hej.t in the churches in the forenoon. To-morrow the Governor will hold a levee at Parliament House. REPRESENTING N.Z. SIR J. PARR AT ST. PAUL'S. (Received 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, May 0. The High Commissioner for New Zealand in London, Sir James Parr, with Mies Christine Parr, was present at the jubilee service in St. Paul's Cathedral.