STONE THROWN

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

STONE THROWN

WINDOW BROKEN ON ROYAL TRAIN

MELBOURNE, Bth May.

Last night, near Benalla, while the Royal train was en route from Melbourne to Albury, a stone was thrown and broke the window of a compartment five carriages away from the Royal suite. In connection with the stone throwing incident it is stated that the whole distance covered by the Royal train in the 190 miles non-stop run from Melbourne to the Victoria border was carefully protected by guards, who were stationed at intervals of three miles. Points and jiinctions were carefully watched and the train, was preceded lly a pilot engine. The majority of special trains which left .Sydney for the Canberra ceremonies had many seats vacant. Some were only half filled and most of the travellers were official guests.

BRITISH PRESS REFERENCES

LONDON, 7th May

The historic nature of the event at Canberra is fully realised by the British press, week-end newspapers publishing articles and cables from Australia and illustrations of Parliament House. The “Observer" states that there is no fundamental reason why the miracle of American expansion should not be repeated in the southern hemisphere. Canberra is the symbol of the forward looking spirit which is the foundation of Australian life. Australia looks forward with absolute faith in her capacity to organise and secure her future advance.

LLOYD GEORGE’S CONGRATULATIONS

LONDON, 7th May Mr Lloyd George supplies the following: “With all my heart I congratulate Australia on the opening of the Commonwealth Parliament by the Duke of York at the new capital. The great joyous event places a copingstone on a century of uninterrupted magnificent development, and we of the Motherland are deeply stirred when we proudly reflect that it is the bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh that has won an entire continent- for the foremost place in the British Commonwealth of Nations. We rejoice with fellow citizens in Australia because of our undying memories of the' splendid manhood of Australia that fought with us in the Great War and contributed so largely to a common victor}’. We rejoice again becauso they to-day are visibly entering on a period of development. The power of Australia is now one with the Motherland not only in sentiment but in status. Though divided by half a world of space we stand shoulder to shoulder for the advancement and defence of the British ideal of a free people freely working out its own'destiny.”

NE WZEALAND’S FELICITATIONS

MESSAGE FROM MR COATES

(United Freu Auooi&tion.)

WELLINGTON, This Day. The following message to the Prime Minister of Australia was sent by Mr Coates through the Hon. A. D. McLeod, New Zealand Government representative at Canberra:—“The Government and people of New Zealand.extend the warmest felicitations to their kinfolk in Australia upon the inauguration of Canberra as the capital of the Commonwealth. The presence of their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of York is the happiest augury of the part Canbeira will play in trie future history of the nation. The wonderful progress and development achieved since the birth of Australia is a striking tribute to industry and enterprise of her people, especially io those who blazed the trial. The destinies of cur two dominions under the Southern Cross will inevitably run side by side and the people of New Zealand will rejoice in this further indication of the strength and dignity of their nearest partner in the British family of nations. They are confident that 'the years to come will mark still closer relations between our respective countries. We believe. Canberra will prove the cornerstone of a mighty nation and a tower of strength to the British peoples.”