CANBERRA.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume III, Issue 76, 13 March 1913, Page 5

CANBERRA.

THE FEDERAL CAPITAL. LAYING THE FIRST STONE. CHF" JSMrtl.mitX ( OPV lill.HT. 1 Sydney March 12. The Federal capita! has been named Canberra. Ladv Denman opened a golden casket containing a slip of paper on which the name was written and performed the christening ceremony.

Lord Denman laid the foundation stone cf the city in the presence of a great and representative gather ing. The weather was fine and there was a great display of bunting. The fine military display added to the spectacular effect. Special trains conveyed many prominent citizens and a strong Parliamentary party to Queanbev an from whence they, were motored to the site. The ceremonies were impressive and there was much enthusiasm.

The first stone was laid by Lord Denman, the second by Mr. Fisher and the third by Mr. 031 alley, each using a trowel of Australian gold made by Australian workmen and ornamented by typical Australian flowers.

During the ceremony Lord Denman despatched a cablegram to the King announcing that Lady Denman had christened the capital Canberra and that he had laid the foundation stone. THE CITY BEAUTIFUL. Lord Denman in his speech said there were people who asked why have a Federal capital, why not let the seat of government be Melbourne or Sydney. The best answer was that federation would have been impossible had not a- compromise been reached on this matter. Some argued that the Federal capital was too costly an undertaking, but when they considered the great advantages that had accrued from federation. the better relations, the abolition of inter-state duties, the building of an army and navy, above al! the creation of a national Australian spirit, it seemed ungenerous to cavil at the expense. Then it was not an advantage to Australia that, such a large proportion of its people should be massed in Sydney and Melbourne. They wanted other cities. Canberra also would open a new port, Jervis Bay. With a great future ahead for Australia, it was the duty of all patriotic Australians to do their utmost to make the capital worthy of the Commonwealth.! a city bearing perhaps some resemblance to the City Beautiful of our dreams. CELEBRATIONS AND SPEECHES Tension was intense as Lady Denman. standing on a specially erected platform, opened the casket and pronounced in clear tones: “ I name the capilal of Australia —Canberra.” .The announcement was greeted with prolonged cheering and hat throwing. The foundation stones laid to-day carry a commemorative trachyte column 27 feet in height, the base consisting of six blocks of granite representing the States of the Commonwealth placed on an axis line joining the centre of the site with the Parliament House on Canberra Hill and the site of the Capitol on Mount Kurrajong. Salutes of twenty-one guns were fired at the opening and conclusion of the christening functions. Mr. Fisher, presiding at a luncheon to 400 guests, said the wrangle over the .home of the Government was over. He believed all parties desired to make a worthy country and nation. There the best thoughts of Australia. legislatively and administratively, would be expressed. He hoped also that it would be a seat of learning and the home of the artsHe read a cable from Mr. Massey congratulating Australians on the important event, and hoping that the new city would be worthy of the great Commonwealth in whose welfare and prosperity New .Zealand takes the keenest and most friendly interest.

Mr. Fisher’s reply voiced the hope that the two countries would prosper side by side, ami work together in all things essential to their common welfare. Mr. O'Malley, in a characteristic peroration, predicted that Australia would become one of the world’s greatest nations. A letter was read from Sir Edmund Barton, the first Federal Prime Minister. in which lie said that in the new seat of government Australia iwould be mistress in her own house. He believtd that m-m»ber« v.ouil prove true to federalism .and make Xustralia ever stronger as a partner in the Empire whose watchword was du tv.

Ottawa. March 12. Mr. Borden, conyratulatiag Mr. Fisher on the christening of the capital, said the two sister commonwealths. though far removed by miles, were very close in the ideals anil aspirations of the democracy and in the common tie which binds two kindred nations to firm aliegiair e to the Empire. CONGRATULATIONS. L". 9.10 a.m.) London. March 12. Manv newspapers publish mngratul.it ions re Canberra, the new Couumiuwealth capital.