TO-DAY'S HISTORIC CEREMONY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 9 May 1927, Page 5

TO-DAY'S HISTORIC CEREMONY

OPENING OF NEW FEDERAL

CAPITAL

PAGEANT REHEARSAL

(By Electrio Telegraph-Copyright) (Australian A N.Z. Cable Association)

SYDNEY, Bth May,

In fine weather yesterday Canberra saw a full-dress rehearsal of Monday's Royal pageant, including a big military and naval march past, without of course the leading personalities, though Lord .Stonehaven, Mr Bruce, Mr Hughes, and a number of other prominent people rehearsed their parts including Madame Molbn, who tried a verse of the National Anthem.

Everything is now in readiness for the groat function. Though visitors have been arriving in greater numbers during the past couple of days, cold weather, bad roads, and repeated warnings, and strict regulations , regarding accommodation, charges, etc., issued by the Federal authorities, are likely to cause the attendance to be lower,than at first anticipated. The Duke and Duchess of York, and most of the leading visitors accompanying the Royal train, reached Canberra. Mr Bruce officially welcomed the Yorks, who proceeded to Government House, where they will remain quietly till Monday morning.

The’official ceremonies are commencing at 10 o’clock with a procession to Parliament House, the opening function by the Duke concluding with a fanfare of trumpets and n Royal salute at noon.