CELEBRATIONS IN SYDNEY

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22319, 5 February 1938, Page 15

CELEBRATIONS IN SYDNEY

ANNIVERSARY MARCH IN CITY TROOPS OF FOUR NATIONS TAKE PART CROWDS LINE STREETS TO SEE SPECTACLE (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT.) (Received February 5, 1 a.m.) SYDNEY, February 4. Three allies of Britain and one neutral country saluted with arms Australia’s one hundred and fiftieth year of nationhood as smart detachments from the American, French,

Italian, and Dutch warships headed a service march through the city this afternoon. It was the first occasion of armed men of four nations marching together on Australian soil with units of the Royal and Australian Navies. The crowds which lined the barriers were stirred to enthusiasm as the troops with fixed bayonets went by. The Governor-General (Lord Gowrie) took the salute from a dais at the city Town Hall. The Empire Games, which begin to-morrow, will bring the full Olympic atmosphere to Australia for the first timei The city is overflowing with visitors from all parts of the world. The weather is fine but uncomfortably hot and humid. Lord Wakehurst will review 600 athletes bearing all colours of emblems and standards of their country as they march round the Sydney Cricket Ground, where special running tracks have been formed and marked off.

The competitors, many of whom are world record-holders, will take a solemn oath of amateurism. Trumpets will echo, pigeons will be released, and gas-filled balloons will float into the air, and as the Governor officially declares the games open. Empire flags will be hoisted. Then will follow a salute of guns and the singing of “Rule Britannia.” England will head the teams, followed by Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Bermuda, British Guiana, Canada, Ceylon and India, New Zealand, South Africa, Southern Rhodesia, and Trinidad, with Australia (as the host nation) last.

It is expected that 80,000 people will attend to-morrow’s gathering.

Visiting athletes were received at Government House to-day by Lord and Lady Wakehurst.