GREAT SPECTACLE

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 104, 27 January 1938, Page 9

GREAT SPECTACLE

“March To Nationhood” At Sydney CELEBRATIONS START Mr. Parry Gives Dominion’s Congratulations By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. (Received January 26, 10.55 p.m.) Sydney, January 26. "It was a great spectacle—a happy and picturesque combination of all phases of life and beauty of yesterday and to-day in this great continent, said the Hon, W. E. Parry, who is representing the Dominion Government at the celebrations. “As the pageant passed one seemed to be stepping along in the period so realistically depleted by the scenes displayed on the floats —each picture bringing warm feelings reminiscent ot the past. To those who planned the pageant and to those who so wondeifully marshalled it, I give New Zealand’s praise. It was a remarkable and unforgettable achievement.” Arrangements for distinguished visitors to view the March to Nationhood were excellent. The Governor-Gene-ral, Lord Gowrie, Lord Galway, Lord Wakehurst, visiting State Governors and their wives were accommodated on a hooded dais outside Parliament House. The Prime Minister, Mr. J. A. Lyons, the Premier of New South Wales, Hou. B. S. B. Stevens, members of the Federal Ministry, politicians, and other notable persons occupied seats in a spe-cially-constructed stand. New Zealand Float. Lusty cheers were given when imposing floats depicting the discovery of coal, gold and silver and the birth of the wool industry went by. The New Zealand float, which was splendidly conceived, with true Maori flavour, won the admiration of all along the route. The Empire Games competitors, who motored slowly through the lines, were given a rousing cheer. Ambulance officers report over 4009 minor casualties, in the most instances of people collapsing along the barriers where the heat was oppressive. A number of people fainted from shCer exhaustion in the trying conditions waiting for the procession to begin. A few persons were injured by falling off ledges. Thousands of people remained and distributed themselves along the harbour front to watch the anniversary regatta. A fresh north-easter whipped up a good sea, and sailing and other craft in great numbers were soon racing, competing over a wide area of choppy water. All naval ships and merchantmen were gaily dressed for the occasion, and the carnival spirit was abroad the whole afternoon. YACHT RACE New Zealand Entrants Finish Last (Received January 26, 11.15 p.m.) Sydney, January 26. Four New Zealand boats, Irina, Vaalele, Manene and Riptide, participated in the international race for 18-footers, but finished in a procession, last; among 16 competitors. The race was won by Deewliy, off 3imin., by 3min 4sec., with 2sec u between second and third.