The Commonwealth.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 4, 5 January 1901, Page 3

The Commonwealth.

CONGRATULATIONS MATTER OE PRECEDENCE.

Bv Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright,

Sydney, yesterday. Lord Hopotoun has sent replies to messages of congratulation from the other countries. That to Fiji, concludes • “ My Ministers hope the relations between the Commonwealth and tho British possessions in tho Pacific will bo such as to sustain tho peaceful power of tho Empire.” That to the Governor of Natal concludes : When tho brotherly trust of our fellow sublets in South Africa impels them to follow our example we shall not fail to realise the great accession to the Imperial strength and general concord, and our actions will prove the sincerity of this message.” Mr Barton has received a number ot messages of congratulation, on the birth of the Comraonwoaltlvincludmg Lord Carrington, Sir Gordon Sprigg, and tho Now Zealand PostmasterGeneral, Mr Ward, tho latter stating : « May tho now century see a completo cementing of tho Empire and its continued expansion in international progress, liberty, equality, and commerce. Not tho least important evont of the century will ho Now Zealand s decision to introdueo penny postage.” Owing to a difficulty iu providing fish for tho visitors in Sydney, tho Cardinal lias given genoral permission to Catholics to use meat. Tho Catholic press oxplains that Cardinal Moran rofusocl to attend the Commonwealth procession and banquot because ho was not allottod prccodonco to tho Primato. Ho states that tho Premior informed liis private secrotary on Monday night that tho committeo of management had awarded procodonco to tlio Primato, and tlio Govornmont did not soo its way to upset tlio arrangement. Undor tho circumstances, Cardinal Moran docidod to tako no part in any social functions till his duo position was rocognisod. Of.hor Catholic bishops visiting Sydnoy rofuso to participate in tho celebrations, considering that an insult was offered to Catholics as a body

Hobart, Jan. 4. A requisition is being- proparod all civor tho eoutborn districts, protosting against Mr Jiarton’s treatment oi Tasmania and informing tho Federal Cabinet that it is held that Mr Lewis should havo rofusod to accopt an honorary position.