CABLE ITEMS

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1507, 17 January 1901, Page 56

CABLE ITEMS

TME QUESTION OF RELIGIOUS EQUALITY. MiiLBOURNE. January 9. The 3lodoratov of the Presbyterian Assembly of Victoria, writing to the “Age ’’ explains why the Moderators of the Presbyterian Churches in the various Stales stood out of the Commonwealth procession. On reaching Sydney they found that a pre-eminent position had been assigned to the Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches, whilst others were grouped far away at tli e other end of the procession. This gross violation of religious equality found responsibility, for an or, drr had come from Downing street which was intended to have permanent authority in the Commonwealth. Had responsibility rested on the New 'South Wales

Government he would have rah on a. (place in the procession, tie trusted the Commonwealth authorities would take future action in the matter in harmony with the principle of religious equality. When, however, they found that Downing street was responsible, the Moderator determined to make, their protest emphatic. The question of official re- ignition of the Churches having been thus raised, the Churches would-not- rest until they secured recognition of the principle of religious equality. SYDNEY, January 10. The Baptist Union has adopted a- resolution emphatically protesting against any one Church being given precedence over Churches at a public function, ether than that arising from their relative numerical position. It especially •denies the right of precedence claimed by Cardinal Moran as a Eoaian Catholic -dignitary. It transpires that the absence of Cardinal Moran from the Commonwealth procession was due not so much to the question of precedence as to trouble about the prayer offered at the swearing in of the Governor-General. The Primate suggested offering a prayer, and on his suggestion the matter was referred! to the Cardinal. The latter declined to take any part in the suggested joint prayer. At the last minute the Caramel submitted a prayer which he proposed to offer, but he was informed that it was too late to make any alteration; consequently he took no part in the procession. It- now appears that the rule regarding precedence by seniority refers only to Government House functions, and does not affect precedence at public functions. AN EXTRAORDINARY INCIDENT. S YD NET, Jan it a ry 9. The “ Daily Telegraph ” says that- a remarkable incident occurred during the Commonwealth procession. The swelter, ing heat of the .day severely told upon some of the troops, especially Englishmen, and the firemen of a -suburban brigade, recognising their plight, had buckets of water ready to offer them to drink, • which not- only the rank and' file, •but some of the officers gladly accepted. The gorge of one- officer, a strict- disciplinarian, rose at the idea of a State military •ceremony being interfered with, and he drew his sword, and struck one of the firemen on the head. The man was badly hurt, and fainted, and it was some time before he recovered sufficiently to allow of treatment. AUSTRALIAN HOSPITALITY. SYDNEY, January 9. Many of the leading visitors are unstinted in their praise of the Government’s treatment and management of affairs in connection with the celebra. fiion. Mr Seddon says:“AH New Zealanders here during the festivities are loud in their praises of the management, and the prevalent feeling is that your hospitality has been virtually boundless/’ The “ Sydney Morning Herald,” commenting in similar strains, concludes : —* “ But the success of the Federal, celebrations during Commonwealth week was after all mainly due to the entire goodwill with which the people entered into the demonstrations.” SYDNEY, January 9. The Government will entertain the police at a smoke concert, and the Imperial troops at a theatre party. Colonel Crole Wyndham (21st Dan. cers) has expressed his delight at the splendid acommodation and hospitality accorded to the Imperial troops. END OF THE FESTIVITIES. SYDNEY, January 9. The city to-day presented a- strong contrast to the gaiety of the past fortnight. Most of the visitors have gone, the flags and other decorations have disap. geared, and,t-o-night the unilluminated streets seem abnormally quiet. THE FEDERAL MINISTRY. SYDNEY, January 9. The Federal Cabinet had a lengthy meeting to-day, at which Ministers discussed administrative matters and the pending elections. It is understood that the Premier (the Hon E. Barton) will outline the policy of the Ministry in an address to the Hunter electors at an early date. HOBART, January 30. Mr Barton has wired to the Act ingPreenier in reply to the request that Tasmania should be allotted a portfolio in the Federal Cabinet. He states that should any necessity arise for creating an eighth portfolio Tasmania will receive special considerat ion. PREPARING- FOR THE POLITICAL FRAY. SYDNEY, January 10. Cabinet has further considered raid decided upon its policy, which Mr Barton will disclose at a meeting at Maitland some time next week. He refuses to say anything regarding the tariff, beyond the statement that it will satisfy every reasonable man—the•unreasonable section will be dealt with afterwards. No steps will be taken to replace, the late Sir James Dickson for the present. The Freetrade party is completing ar-

ran gem on is for ~Ke elections, and has held an organising meeting. A New South- Wales Freetrade Liberal Association has been established as an Australian -organisation, and co-operative committees have been appointed to act in the other colonies. MELBOUE-A E, January 10. The ‘‘Argus” demands that the Federal Ministry shall take an early opportunity of __ making an open declaration of its policy. LONDON. January 9. The Hon. H. Copeland, Agent-General ior New South Wales, interviewed with reference to Federation, said his c deny would need an Agent-General even if a High Commissioner for Australia were appointed.