TRAFALGAR DAY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 13887, 23 October 1905, Page 9

TRAFALGAR DAY.

CELEBRATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. (Received October 23, 12.52 a.m.) LONDON, October 22. There were gteat celebrations of the centenary throughout the Kingdom and Empire. Bishop Weldon conducted a service at the foot of the Nelson Column in Trafalgar Square. One hundred wreaths had been sent from- all parts of the Empire. Twelve thousand persons were present, including the ' Agents-General, and thousands thronged the Square all day and evening, defiling past the column. Prince Edward of Wales and his brother, driving past, halted and saluted. Hundreds visited Nelson’s tomb in St Paul’s. There was a special ceremony aboard the Victory. Lord Brassey presided over a great meeting in Albert Hall. Lord Ranfurly presided at the Navy League banquet. The Hon W. P. Reeves proposed “ The Memory of Nelson.”. The British and Foreign Sailors’ Society , presented the French municipal representatives with a piece of the Vic-tory'Gab,-in memory of France’s brave sailors at Trafalgar. The presentation produced an. excellent impression. New Zealand’s, the . Commonwealth’s and Queensland’s wreaths were greatly admired. AUSTRALIAN CELEBRATIONS. SYDNEY, October 21. Trafalgar Day was celebrated yesterday in Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania. will be celebrated in New South Wales to-day, and special sermons will be preached to-morrow. (Received October 23, 1.4 a.m.) ■ ■ SYDNEY, October 22. The; Trafalgar celebrations throughout the Commonwealth, were mainly characterised by a plentiful display of bunting. A great grandson of Pasco, who hoisted the famous signal on the Victory, unfurled the signal at a naval concert at the Town Hall. During the evening, Captain Hardy, a nephew of the caplkin of the Victory, was presented to Admiral Fanshawe. At .Brisbane, a grandson of Fiasco unfurled the famous signal at the United Service Institution.. At Melbourne the Caulfield Cup overshadowed Trafalgar, though various demonstrations were held in the evening in commemoration. The entente cordial© was in evidence by a general intertwining of Union Jack and Tricolour. CELEBRATIONS IN NEW ZEALAND i [Pee Peess Association.] AUCKLAND, October 22. References to the Trafalgar centenary were made in most churches to-day. Preaching at a large naval and military parade service at the Anglican Cathedral, Bishop Neligan spoke on patriotism ,as the soul of a nation. He referred to the friendship of England and France' “in the lasting bond of love and freedom. For freedom each nation had fought and bled, for freedom each nation must live, and for the freedom of other nations to work out their own national destinies, France and England to-day stand shoulder to shoulder.” The Bishop quoted Pitt’s famous words, “England has- saved herself by her courage, she will save Europe by her example,” and stated that the area for their exhibition had been enlarged. “ England had saved herself by her courage, but England and France will yet save Europe and the peace of the world; by their joint example. God save the King and Emperor and ruler of Britons beyond the seas who helped to make it possible.” NELSON, October 21. The celebrations of the Trafalgar centenary proved a great success, though the storm of the previous day prevented some being present. The Governor landed about 10 a.m., and was received by the Mayor,, Councillors, members of public bodies and' leading citizens, and escorted to the town, the Volunteers taking part in the procession. The city was profusely decorated with bunting, and Trafalgar Street was festooned with flags every few yards, while the Cathedral Hill, at the southern end of the- street, was massed with school children end-the; public; the . platform thereon being draped with the French tricolour, and it bore the word “Welcome.” On reaching this point addresses were presented to his Excellency by the City Council and friendly societies, and speeches were delivered by the i)layor, Mr Baigeut, the Governor and Colonel Pitt, The band played the National Anthem and the “ Marseillaise,” and cheers were given for the King and Queen, the Governor and the Ministry. Later, his Excellency drove to the site of Nelson Colege, where he was received by the gQvernors, and he laid the foundationstone of the new building to replace that destroyed by fire. The • NavyLeague service at Trafalgar Park was held in the afternoon. Over 600 Volunteers were drawn up, and the Nelson signal was flying. At 2.30 the Union Jack was lowered to half-mast. The Bishop of Nelson read a prayer, the , Rev M’Kee Wright recited Kipling’s “ Recessional,” and the band played “ The Death of Nelson.” The Union Jack and French flag were then together raised, cheers were given for the King, and the Governor delivered an address on the Navy League. Later, his Excellency reviewed 630 troops, and complimented them on their excellent appearance and splendid muster. In the evening the fire brigades formed a torchlight procession and were inspected by the Governor. Later, the Navy League members met and drank to the memory of Lord Nelson, and cabled to London, “Nelson living honours Nelson the immortal.” DUNEDIN, October 20. The Navy League’s celebration of Trafalgar centenary took place in the evening, when the Garrison Hall was crowded, the Mayor presiding. Patriotic addresses were delivered, songs were sung, and the prizes won in connection with the League’s naval history examinations at the public schools were presented. The whole function was successful, and there was much enthusiasm. It is explained that the Christchurch demonstration was made on Friday instead of Saturday in order that the school children should be given a real holiday on the occasion, instead of havJng to give up their Saturday for it. An idea seems to have got abroad that Friday was selected on account of some retailers refusing to close on Saturday, but that is not so.