Celebration of the Australian Centenary.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume X, Issue 169, 28 January 1888, Page 2

Celebration of the Australian Centenary .

Per Electric Telegraph—Copyright

United Press Association

Sydney, Jan 26. Tlie city was most brilliantly illuminated and decorated to-night and quite surpassed the display made on the occasion of the Jubileo festivities. George street was lined with one hundred red Venetian niasts, supporting an endless line of banners, heraldic shields being interspersed along the line, the whole being illuminated by large numbers of lanterns. Three arches spanned the road-way at intervals, and lines of bunting were flying in George, JPitt, aqd other principal thoroughfares. The buildings were illuminated with most intricate devices, showing considerable expenditure in time and money, but the illuminations were somewhat interfered with by the breeze blowing. The tower of the General Post Office was adorned with arc lights, placed at an elevation of 200 feet above the level of the street. The statues of the Queen and Prince Albert, and Captain Cook were garlanded with strings of lamps, and thousands of lamps were scattered among the trees and the flowers in the Park, presenting a most attractive appearance. Wheeled traffic was stooped in the central streets which were rendered quite impassable by the crow - It is estimated that at least 200,000 people were about. Sir Wm Jervois replied to toast of the “Governor,” his speech

being devoted entirely to the aspect of Colonial defence. He expressed regret that N.Z. ministers were absolutely precluded by urgent

public business from taking part in the great celebration. He referred to his 11 years’ connection with the defences of the colonies, and praised the readiness displayed by several colonial Parliaments in passing the Naval Defences Bill. He spoke approvingly of the labor to that end made by the Earl of Carnarvon on his position as Chairman of the Defence Commission, and congratulated the colonies on the work they had done and on the advanced state of the defences, which was a most important factor in the great work of federation. Received Jan 27, 5.25 p.m.

The Centenary was generally celebrated in the other colonies yesterday, the day being set apart as a special holiday.

Received Jan. 27, 10.30 p.m. The first ball of the Centennial Regatta, which took place to-day on the Paramatta course, was a brilliant success. The day was very fine, with a fresh breeze blowing. His Excellency the Governor and party, accompanied by most of the distinguished visitors in the city, went on board th- flag ship. The Senior Four-oared Outrigger Race was won by the Sydney Rowing Club. The sculling t race in wager boats was won by Peter Kemp (Hawksbury); W. Hearn (New Zealand), 2; 0. Nelson (Sydney), 3. The intercolonial band contest commenced to-day. A large number of bands are competing. The city is again brilliantly illuminated to-night, but a strong wind seriously interferes with it being seen at its best.