TASMANIAN CENTENARY.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12700, 8 March 1904, Page 4

TASMANIAN CENTENARY.

HOBART, February 22. The centenary of the foundation of Tasmania was auspiciously celebrated to-day. The weather was beautiful. Business was wholly suspended, and the city was brilliant with bunting, while the streets were thronged with people. The first function, which took place at 11 in the morning, was the laying of the foundation stone of the new library building, for which Mr Andrew Carnegie has given £7500. The building will be erected at the rear of the Town Hall, and will accord in architectural design therewith. The Governor, Sir A. E. Havelock, performed the ceremony, and made an eloquently sympathetic speech, in the presence of a large concourse, including Ministers, the clergy, and other notabilities. He was received by Alderman Kerr, on behalf of the library trustees, and the Mayor, Alderman Bonnison, on behalf of the city corporation. The Premier, Mr Propsting, delivered an appropriate address. The inscription on the stone of the library was; “This stone was laid by Sir A. E. Havelock, G.C.5.1., G.C.M.G., C.C.1.E., Governor of Tasmania, on February 22nd, 1904, the cost of the new building for the Tasmanian Public Library having been donated by Andrew Carnegie, Esq., of Skibo Castle, Dornoch, Scotland.”

One significant feature in the arrangements was the absence of the military guard of honour. The Governor had a small police escort, but the defence force, smarting under recent treatment concerning pay, declined to parade. The groat function of the day was the unveiling of the memorial obelisk at Risdon, to commemorate the first landing of Lieutenant Bowen. Tljcir Excellencies Sir Arthur Havelock and Vice-Admiral Fanshawe took part. The warships Mutine and Torch fired a salute of 17 guns, and there was an impressive aquatic display of local craft in Risdon Bay. Steamers were laden with sightseers. Crowds also lined the banks of the river, and the scene was unique in Tasmanian annals. One special feature was the handing of the deed of gift of the land whereon the obelisk is erected. 'This was done by Mr Albury, the donor. The inscription on the obelisk is: “This memorial was erected to commemorate the centenary of the landing of Lieutenant Bowen, September, 1803, and was unveiled by the Governor, Sir A. E. Havelock, February 22nd, 1904.”

# In the evening the warships in the river were brilliantly illuminated, and the river steamers were crowded with passengers, with bands and glee parties aboard, serenading the war vessels.