THE COMMONWEALTH.

Dunstan Times, Issue 2050, 11 January 1901, Page 3

THE COMMONWEALTH.

SYDNEY, January 1,

To-day, which was a red-letter day in the history of Australia, has come and gone, and the political work of years has been consummated, whilst the work of the past few weeks—the chief aim and object of which was to make Sydney a city worthy of the great function to be held within her gates—resulted in a. magnificent, unqualified success. The handling of the huge street traffic was conducted admirably, and no casualty of a serious character has happened to mar or becloud the general joy. Along the lengthy route ample provision was made in the shape of stands to enable the populace to view the procession, and these and other precautions effectually prevented any great pressure being felt in any part of the city. The crowd were orderly in the extreme during the entire day. Early in the morning the Domain presented A BRILLIANT AND ANIMATED SCENE

as the various contingents of Imperial and colonial troops arrived on the trysting ground and proceeded to take up positions prior to being marshalled and allotted their places in the procession. Sharp at 10.30 the immense cavalcade was set in motion and began to move off from the Domain. The mounted police showed the way, followed by the metropolitan, suburban, and visiting firemen, with their steam fire engines shrieking and hissing, and forming an escort to three cars that were filled with members of the Fourth Estate. The entire route of the procession was lined with the troops of New South Wales, who succeeded in keeping a passage-way clear for the procession. By the time that everything was fairly underway the day was sweltering and cloudy, but muggy in the extreme. Following the Press carriages were

TWO FINE ALLEGORICAL CARS representing Italy and Canada. The firstmentioned car was occupied by officers dressed in Italian uniforms ; the rest of the occupants being dressed in the red shirts and otherwise striking costumes of those who had served under the great Garibaldi, as most of these men truly had. In the centre of the car was exhibited a bust of the great Italian Liberator. After these cars came carriages containing the members of the New South Wales Legislature, the Mayor and City Corporation of Sydney, and distinguished visitors from abroad and the colonies.

TWO LIBERAL “STALWARTS.” Tire carriage containing the Premier of New Zealand (the Right Hon. Mr Seddon), who had alongside him the Right Hon. C. C. Kingston, of South Australia, and the Hon. James Carroll, was escorted by the Maori members of the Federal Contingent, under the. command of Lieutenant Remini. Chief Justice Stout and Mr Justice Edwards shared a carriage with the Primate of New Zealand (Dr Cowie), but Cardinal Moran did not take part in the processional part of the ceremonial. After the carriages of the notabilities came what formed the chief attraction of the day s pageant—viz., THE MILITARY SHOW, which was headed by the Prince of Wales’s Lancers, who were followed by the men of the Colonial Contingents just returned from South Africa and by soldiers representing New South Wales’s Soudan Contingent. Then came the visiting troopers from Queensland, Tasmania, Westralia, South Australia, Victoria, and New Zealand, in the order named. These men were brigaded together, and were under the command of Colonel Pole Penton, Commandant of the New Zealand Forces. Next followed THE INDIAN CONTINGENT

of 100 picked men from the native troops of Britain’s greatest dependency. What a brilliant spectacle they presented with their bizarre uniforms!' The members of the cavalry section showed themselves to be splendid horsemen, while the representatives of the infantry reiriments are all big, finelooking fellows. The bronze-complexioned sons of India, with their rich dresses and jewelled turbans, gave a touch of Oriental splendor to the scene. After the Indian troops came THE IMPERIAL FORCE, under the command of Colonel Wyndhaih, with his staff officers, heading the Royal Horse Artillery with two of their field guns. Next came the Household Cavalry, comprising the Ist Life Guards, the 2nd Life Guards, the Royal Horse Guards, the King’s Dragoons, the 7th Hussars, the 21st Hussars, the Prince of Wales’s own, the Royal Field Artillery (with two of their field guns), the Royal Engineers (with waggons containing pontoon sections), the Highland Light Infantry the Royal Garrison Artillery, the ‘Grenadier Guards, the Coldstream Guards, the Scots’ Guards, and the Irish Guards. Next followed the regiments of the line—viz.. Queen’s Buffs, the Somerset Light Infantry, the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, the Northumberland Fusileers, the Royal Irish Fusileers, the Scottish Rifles, the' Kind’s Royals, the Royal Irish Rifles, the Rifle Brigade : then the pipers, playing before the Scottish forces, comprising a section of the famous Black Watch, the Highland Light Infantry, the Seaforths, and the Cameronian Highlanders. Next came the Army Service Corps, the Army Medical Corps, the 4th Norfolk Militia, the Devons, and the Middlesex Volunteers. It was truly a noble show of Great Britain’s represntative regiments, who had upheld the traditions of England’s military power on many a desperate field. The rear of the procession was brought up by the “handy men” of the navy. • Immediately "preceding the Govei - nor-General’s State carriage were the unattached reserve officers and the visiting commandants, each of whom was preceded by a staff officer. Then came Lord Hopetoun’s carriage, followed by an escort of one hundred and one of the New South Wales Lancers. Twenty-one military bands were stationed at various points along the route. As the procession emerged from the Domain the first arch met,with represented one of the colony’s principal products. It was a raised arch, constructed of blocks of coal, with miniature derricks and mining appliances crowning it. Through this glistening portal the city proper was entered. The Queen’s Square presented a magnificent spectacle, l>eing studded with beautifully carved white pillars. 50ft in height, from which was suspended a canopy of greenery covering the whole square. The Queen’s statue was concealed under a heavy dome. Between these pillars were suspended the names of the various Imperial regiments at present in the colony, while the pillars also bore the names of the nations of the world. On leaving the square Macquarie street opened up a magnificent vista. The street was thronged on either hand with crowds of sight-seers. The large stands in front of the hospital and Parliament House looked like so many human ant hills. The thoroughfare was festooned with greenery, the colors of the scheme being red, white, and blue drapings, while the Venetian masts were topped with silver crowns. The colors were so well handled that nothing of an inharmonious tone prevailed. From every window flags waved, and people cheered and shouted themselves hoarse, while a

HEARTY NEW ZEALAND GREETING awaited the members of the New Zealand contingents and Premier Seddon and Mr

Carroll as they passed in the procession. It came from a knot of New Zealand parliamentarians and public men from the island colony, and who, led by Mr Witheford, M.H.R., gave the Contingent’s war cry in fine style. In fact, all along the route the New Zealanders were accorded a splendid welcome, while the Maori members of the Federal escort came in for general admiration. After passing the gate of Government House a magnificent floral arch was to be seen, bearing the word “ Welcome,” and adorned with a profusion of emblems in blue and gold. Turning into Bridge street, which is flanked with warehouses devoted to the pastoral and agricultural industries of the colony, one naturally looked for emblems of these staple products, and was not disappointed. Opposite to the offices and warehouse of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company stood A BEAUTIFUL ARCH, pyramidical in form, surmounted with a golden crown, and covered with wool, flanked by two rams, and with a gorgeous motto bearing a,“ Welcome to the Land of the Golden Fleece.” Its Venetian masts were draped with Lord Hopetoun's colors (blue and yellow). Before Pitt street was reached another arch was met. -It was constructed of sheaves of. wheat, and had a plough on its summit. The facade of the Sydney Exchange was covered with transparencies. The windows of the chief buildings in this street, which contains some of the biggest warehouses in Sydney, were crowded with spectators on every floor, and from thousands of throats came a continuous volley of cheers, which increased in volume and became a mighty roar as the favorites of the public swept into view. These were the gallant “ SOLDIERS OF THE QUEEN,” as represented by the Indian troops, the crack British and Irish regiments, and the battle-worn sons of United Australia and New Zealand, who had cemented with their blood on South African fields the bonds of kinship, and had sworn to maintain and defend the greatest Empire that the world has ever known.

THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD claimed a large share in the decorations of the city to-day. After the wheat arch was passed the French avenue was entered through an arch of noble proportions. This avenue was flanked by masts bearing the emblem “ La Belle France,” and extending as far as Hunter street. One was greeted with the names of Frenchmen familiar to early Australian "history, such as La Perouse, Dentrecasteaux, and Bougenville. The coats of arms of the cities of Paris, Lyons, Marseilles, and Bordeaux find places, and the names of illustrious Frenchmen in science, art, literature, and engineering are inscribed, while an inscription on the archway extends the Republic's welcome to Australian Federation. High in the air the Gallic rooster crows a greeting to the festive emu. Hunter street crossed, an aggressive bird is seen perched on an arch beautifully decorated. It is a bespangled spread-eagle, and is

UNCLE SAM’S CONTRIBUTION. An assurance is given that the United States greet United Australia, and that the American nation hails the new-born nation. The Venetian masts in the American avenue bear the emblems of the various States, each mast being surmounted by a golden eagle. Entering Martin place and passing the General Post Office,

THE SCENE IS VERY IMPRESSIVE. Thousands throng the magnificent and gailydecorated stands, while the colors of Lord Hopetoun are entwined in the forest of masts. Viewed from the Press Association windows, the intermingling of colors as each body of troops pass is marvellously effective. Now it is a shade of khaki, changing to brilliant scarlet as the Life Guards come into view, with their glittering cuirasses and steel helmets, which in the sweltering atmosphere could scarcely be deemed a fitting costume for Sydney’s climate ; in fact, in the long march the Britishers must have suffered a great deal from their heavy clothing. The heat was hard enough to* bear riding in a carriage and suitably attired. Post Office place presented A GORGEOUS KALEIDOSCOPIC VIEW, The brazen helmets of the Horse Guards, with their waving plumes, constituted tuted a mass of color, which was thrown into relief by the black mass of people in the surrounding • square. Turning into George street, the color scheme changes, but one thing that never alters is the throbbing humanity that occupies every spot where a foothold or support can be obtained —a throng that cheers itself hoarse, and never seems to get weary of the lung-practice. Shades of pale blue and white are now intermingled with many fine mural decorations. This is Sydney’s main thoroughfare’s contribution 'to the day’s pageant. At the Town Hall the Melbourne City Corporation offer tribute in the shape of a floral arch, which is passed through into Park street. This street is a mass of British flags of every design, leading up to THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ARCH OF ALL. The Commonwealth arch has been erected by the citizens of Sydney, and the best talent that this city possesses has been lavished on it. It is built across the street at Hyde Park. Its fine proportions are not interfered with by the surrounding buildings, as is the case with those elsewhere, in the city. It is decorated with bronze panels, emblematical of Australia’s advance in science, arts, and industry. There are some finelyexecuted pictures, showing the landing of Captain Cook, the arrival of the first fleet, and the departure of the troops for South Africa. College street is now entered beneath THE GERMAN ARCH, which is crowned with a- golden Imperial Eagle, each column bearing a crown. There are two figures representing Germania and Australia, and the inscription is: “United Germany greets the Commonwealth of Australia.” The city is quitted through a beautiful classical portal erected to “ our comrades from over the seas,” and to “ our comrades of the Southern Seas.” As the narrow thoroughfare in Oxford street is entered the masses of people on the stands seem to press right down on the procession. The contracted nature of the street makes the applause deafening. The maze of wavin' flags in the hands of excited citizens constitutes

A BEWILDERING SCENE—ono which continues right through Oxfcrd street to the very gates of the park. After two hours’ mar cl’ THE CENTENNIAL PARK is reached by the advance guard of the procession, aiid weary folk get a breath of fresh air. The park can hold a, few millions without crushing anyone, and the assemblage awaiting the arrival of the procession is not excessive. The, beautiful white pavilion on which is inscribed the names of the federating .States is railed otf, and the specially invited guests occupy the enclosure to the right of the pavilion. A VERY PRETTY SIGHT, was furnished by the thousands of school children who are seated hard by, and uno are to carry out* the musical part of the day’s programme, which will be readied almost, immediately. The pavilion itself is reserved for the colony's most distinguished

guests. Here, awaiting the arrival of the Governor-General, were gathered the Chief Justice and Deputy-Governor of the Colony (Sir F. M. Darley), the Primate of Australia (Dr Saumerez Smith), Admiral Pearson, Mr Barton and the members of the Federal Ministry, Mr Seddon, Mr Carroll, Sir Edward Braddon, Sir Robert Stout, several of the Federal delegates, Mrs Seddon, Mrs Barton, Lady Forrest, Lady Stout, and many others, and in the centre is the table that was used by the Queen to sign the original proclamation of the Commonwealth. Within two and a-half hours from the starting time the Governor-General is entering the Park and a Royal salute is being fired. The cheers, which had been continuous as His Excellency came along from the gates, were renewed as he turned from his place in the procession to enter the pavilion. He was looking much better than he did on his official landing a few days ago. Lord Hopetoun bowed his acknowledgments to the enthusiastic crowds which followed in the wake of the procession. The amphitheatre on which the pavilion was located swarmed with people. It is quite impossible to give anything like a correct estimate of the number present. As Lord Hopetoun took his place in the pavilion the hymn ‘ O God, our help in ages past,’ to the tune of St. Ann’s, was sung impressively by a choir of 400 voices. Archbishop Smith followed with prayers for the Commonwealth and the Governor-General.

CELEBRATING THE UNION,

A GREAT GATHERING

SYDNEY, January 1

Sir Samuel Griffith (C.J. of Queensland), in proposing “ The Commonwealth,” said that there was no comparison between the establishment of this Commonwealth with the establishment of the Canadian Dominion. The latter was little more than the absorption of two small maritime provinces by already united Lower and Upper Canada. The work of establishing the German union was not analogous either. That was the work of the rulers. The German people were never asked to do it. The Commonwealth of Australia was unique. It was the work of the people of the several Australian States, and the present result was due to intelligent application by several minds, which, after a lengthy series of years, had determined that there should be established a. new nation on the face of the earth. There was never such another opportunity for union in the world as lay before the people of Australia. He eulogised Sir Henry Rarkes’s efforts to this end. Premier Barton, in replying, said that few cities outside of London could have given sucli a magnificent demonstration as that of to-day. The people were to be complimented on the order they had maintained. He reviewed the progress of the Federal movement, and concluded by proposing the toast of “ The Memory of Sir H. Parkes, the Father of Federation,” which was drunk in solemn silence.

Mr Seddon, on rising to respond for the visitors, was accorded a very hearty reception. He wished that the toast in honor of those who had come from all parts of the world to do honor to United Australia had been placed in abler hands. It was to the exceeding honor of the Australians that the behaviour of her people was reflected throughout the pageants of that day. At the celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee in London he had witnessed evidences of much poverty, but. thank God, no such evidences had been seen in the streets of Sydney that day. In that respect Australia had shown an example to the Mother Country. Speaking for the visitors, he expressed the hope that they would soon hear of Lady Hopetoun’s health being fully restored. Speaking for New Zealand, he wished to say that although up to the present his colony had not seen her way to become united wih Australia, still she* has a friendly feeling towards the Commonwealth, and wished United Australia all success. Anything that the colony could do to help Australia would be a service cheerfully rendered. There were obligations which no Constitution that could be framed would meet. The pageantry of that day showed that the people of Australia were with New Zealand heart and soul, and New Zealand must be heart and soul with Australia. Should the occasion ever arise in New Zealand to give her heart's blood in the defence of Australia she would do so. *.s she had done in South Africa," and he was confident that if New Zealand were embroiled in difficulties Australia. would stand shoulder to shoulder with the people i horn he had the honor to be Premier of There had been present in that day’? procession the Maoris and the Naive Miniser. —(Applause.) The Maori race were duly represented, and as they went through the procession words of ■welcome were shouted to them from those who in the past had been New Zealanders. Their words were ” Aroha. aroha, aroha., ake, ake ake” (“Love, love, love, for ever, for ever, and for ever”). —(Loud applause.) As one who came to Australia thirty-five years ago, he could say that while New Zealand had precedence in his thoughts, he would ne\ er forget the people that first gave him his start in life. Australia had now one people and one destiny, whose aim should be to improve the existing condition of things. He concluded <vn eloquent speech by his good wishes towards Australia.

MR SEDDON INTERVIEWED. SYDNEY. January 3. In the course of an interview Mr Secklon said that without being in the Federation there remains great good-will towards New Zealand. “ Our working out our own destiny will in no way interfere with or endanger the continuance of that good feeling. In the face of the Royal Commission on Federation just appointed in New Zealand I do not deem it advisable to intrude my opinion. I might give an opinion now from what I have seen and heard, and when the Commission make their report the latter mi"ht prove my deductions to be all wrong. The one thing necessary above all others is to get closer connection between Australia and* New Zealand by reducing the distance. Wc must get faster vessels. When we have secured vessels of the Lucania or Campania class, more especially during the summer months, which would perhaps mean that passengers would be only two nights on shipboard, and when the voyage across would be little more than a pleasure trip, then when that time comes there will bo an interchange of people that will be both astounding and astonishing. There may yet be a Commonwealth and a New Zealand Federal steam service. I would not hesitate to enter into a partnership to-morrow for that purpose, and am satisfied that there would be no reprisals as far as New Zealand is concerned. The Ministry are all friendly, and there need be no anxiety whatever on that point. I am convinced that so far as New Zealand is concerned there is no necessity for alarm, or even anxiety, and certainly the good feeling now existing, which is universal, would prevent anything being done which would be especially injurious to our colony. Australia has had enough of border tariff and Customs wars, and I am sure that it will not have any more of that sort of thing.” THE STREET, RAIL, AND WATER TRAFFIC. HUSHING THE RESTAURANTS. SYDNEY, January 3. Some idea, of the enormous crowds may be gathered from the train and train traffic.

Over half a million were carried by the trams on Tuesday, which is 150,000 in excess of any other record. Yesterday it is estimated that there were 400,000 passengers. The people hung on the footboards two deep, and invaded the roofs of the cars. It was impossible in places for the trams to pass each other, and numbers were swept off, but as the pace was necessarily slow no serious harm was done.

The railway returns show that over 116,000 passengers were carried on Tuesday, against 85,000 last New Year’s Day. Xhe steamer traffic was equally big. The North Shore Ferry Company carried eighty thousand passengers in a few hours without a single accident. So great was the rush for the refreshment rooms that they were compelled to close their doors. The hungry visitors took possession, and stood round the tables and flooded every nook and corner, but were content so long as they got something to eat.

SYDNEY, January 2,

Two accidents attended the procession. While entering the Centennial Park the horse of a mounted trooper became unmanageable, and in its attempt to avoid the crowd bounded into the air, and landed on the chest of Inspector Bremner, the well-known police officer, severely injuring his spine. Mr Bremner succumbed during the night. Another trooper was unhorsed, and two others were knocked down and slightly injured. Constable Sharpies, of Bathurst, was swept from a ti-am in Oxford street, and had his skull fractured.

During a squall in the harbor a boat was capsized, and Mr Park, second officer of the steamer Kalgoorlie, was drowned. The people entered into the spirit of yesterday’s event with a splendid appreciation of the character of the day and the significance of the ceremony. All the predictions about heated men and angry women fighting for positions and crushing into seats to the inconvenience and danger of others, of school children being massacred by surging, violent, and uncontrollable mobs were hopelessly falsified. It would be difficult to say where the most cordial reception was given. There was a bubbling fervour all the time. The Indian troops, Mounted Guards Brigade, and Highlanders were apparently the favorites, though much cheering was encountered by the firemen and the Naval Brigade, and the Naval Artillery Volunteers. Sir Reid's reception was marvellous, and where he was concerned there was a trium-phal-progress, but the welcome to the Go-vernor-General surpassed all. It was uproarious. Hats and handkerchiefs were waving, and the air was filled with cheers. The popularity which the New Zealanders had already gained during their stay in Sydney made them special obects of attention, while the Southland pipers, who came with the men who had recently arrived, raised popular enthusiasm to a high pitch. Approximately, 10,500 troops were present, and it is estimated that about 300,000 people witnessed the swearing in, and that nearly three-quarters of a million persons viewed the procession. There were 1,000 guests present at the banquet. Mr Seddon told the ‘ Telegraph ’ that, as one whose lot it bad been to witness many celebrations, the display to-day surpassed them all in numbers and decoration and fully equalled them in enthusiasm. Of course, it couldn’t be expected to surpass the Jubilee celebrations, which he had witnessed in London, but it certainly came next. What impressed him most when going through the streets was the great and general good feeling exhibited towards New Zealand and New Zealanders. “We in our own colony had not the slightest impression of the depth of good feeling that there was among the Australians for the people of our colony. As he went along he heard such cries as ‘ Here comes New Zealand’ ‘ Good old Dick,’ and ‘ Tenakoe ’ and ‘ Kia-ora.’ It was most amusing.” Colonel Wyndham at the banquet said that he brought a message for the Australian soldiers. They were respected in every garrison throughout England, for they were brothers-in-arms, and in suffering and death they had won their right to fight side by side with those of the Mother Land. It was hoped in England that Australian representative troops would be sent Home to obtain the latest ideas concerning drill, tactics. and staff duties ; and that, with the soldiers of the Empire so consolidated, the nation would be able to checkmate any Power which crossed her path when she was engaged in a righteous cause. That was the message he had come half across the world to deliver. In conclusion, he said : “ The army salute the Commonwealth and wish you all propsperity and happiness. ”