AT CANBERRA

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 7 May 1927, Page 5

AT CANBERRA

WEATHER UNSETTLED.

FOE OPENING CEREMONIES.

DAME MELBA TO STNG

BY CABLE-PRESS ASSOCIATION-COPYRIGHT SYDNEY, May 6. The weather is unsettled and showery and is causing uneasiness about Monday’s Canberra, arrangements. Rain would greatly mar many of the outdoor gatherings included in the programme. The roads to the Federal capital are reported to be in a bad condition following the late heavy rains, and motorists en route are having a difficult time. Canberra steadily filling up with officials, troops and visitors, and everyth iimg is in fever heat to put on the final touches for the great event. Tomorrow there will be a full rehearsal of the whole programme. One feature of the ceremonies will be when the Royal party mount the platform at Parliament House, Dame Melba will step fonvard to sing the National Anthem, and the public will be asked to repress their desire to join in: the singing, so that the singer’s voice mav be clearlv heard, but after M'.Tba sings each verse the choir and public will repeat it.

FRANCE’S GOOD WISHES

Received 10 a.m. to-day. PARIS, May 6. M. Bria-nd has cabled: “At the moment when, in the presence of the Duke and Duchess of York, the new capital of the Commonwealth is being inaugurated, I take the opportunity of expressing France’s wishes for a happy' development of the new Federal capital and) the prosperity of the populace of Australia.”