COMMON WEATTH CELEBRATIONS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11923, 22 December 1900, Page 4

COMMON WEATTH CELEBRATIONS.

THE GOVERNOR -G FINER AT, LANDS. A COKDIAI", RECEPTION. CHEERS—SYMPATHETIC CHEERS. No. 2. [All Rights Reserved.]

(From Our Special Correspondent, Mr Geo. C. Craig, author of "Federal Defence," Sydney.)

To-day, Saturday, 15th December, begins the great events of the Commonwealth demonstrations in Sydney, though the official and natal day will be the Ist of January, which also dawns forth the birth of a new century. The first day of the Australian nationality, under the Crown, is coeval with the first day of the twentieth century. All hail! to such historical associations. I leave the rest of .the Now Year's Day sentiment to the ode makers—soo of them in number. The arrival of Lord Hopetoun and of the Indian and Imperial troops off " the long wash of Austral shores " quickened matters in Sydney. The message of Lord Hopetoun from tho western port of Adelaide mused us all to feel that the day of nationality and celebration was rapidly approaching, x'he Royal Arthur made a rapid voyage round from Port Adelaide, and Sydney rejoiced when the news o.imo from Jervis Bay that the flagship had safely arrived, and that the Governor-general had so far improved in Tiealth that he could face two miles of street demonstration and procession, from Farm Cove to Government House.

EARLY MORN.

Gloriously roso the sun as the stars left the portals of the sky. Everybody made an early breakfast, and bent their way to the wharves, (o the South Head, and to the environs of Lady Macquarie's Chair. The flagship had kin in Jorvis Bay, a little south of Port Jackson, from Thursday. A flagship cruiser should be smart in running over tho knots of 'ocean. She had been smart, so much so that Captain Dicksnn. K.N., was ablo to give tho Governorgeneral two days' rest in quiet water to brace himself up to meet the host of officials, the admiring crowd, the plaudits of garden, square, place, and street. He wns to land amidst skeleton decorations for January 1, and those now used for the hurried and economic display of bunting for the unofficial occasion. Our beautiful harbour—and we have one—lay embosomed in the marine aspect of land and seascape, with all its little bays and headlands, all lit up in the morning snn-

chine, and " every one I know." Tradesmen wero busy upon the Venetian masts, the arches, the open space platform, tho public building balconies, the house and shop fronts:

bare pole Macquario street and Mnrtin place, whilst tram and railway passed into the city great crowds of holiday men, women, and children. Holelkeepers wero early afoot, and the smoke of myriad 'chimneys shot up into mid-air as it never did before.

THE GENERAL RECEPTION.

Sydney gave the new Governor-general a cordinl reception. The chief event of the

day was the naval_ and mercantile marine display, so well conceived, arranged, and carried out by Admiral Pearson, who is about to leave us. The passage of the Royal Arthur up the harbour was grand and glorious to behold. It was a marine display seldom or never seen in Australasian waters before, by many times a greater spectacle than that of the arrival of the ships of the Australian squadron. _ The military display was imposing, and lined the streets along the route of march. The State, official, and municipal reception in the Botanic Gardens wan well arranged. A landing stage was moored alongside the gardens, and ashore was an artistic pavilion, prettily painted end dressed in all colours, surmounted by a splendid and gigantio Royal crown and the. British flags. A long, formidable, and uninviting flight of 93 steps led from the pavilion to the Main road from Maequarie's Chair. The committee, or architect, has a mightly conception of the active strength of Lord and Lady Hopetoun. If they were strong Samsons the task was almost impossible to reach the top. Considering the state, of the health of Ihe Governor-general, Jacob's ladder was wisely abandoned.

THE SIGHT OFF SYDNEY HEADS.

I drove down to the South Head?, and got a fine view from the lighthouse—" standing on (he dull, enchanting shore, I love the great sea more and more." The Pacific never looked more charming, so silvery, -so aweinspiring, and reflective of the thought of the sea being England's, and " England's shall remain." The Navy League, states in a message that we have lost our sea power. If the combined strength of three Powers are considered, and if the Salisbury Government do not rapidly increase our naval strength, The Times will have enough to do to convince the nation that we still maintain our sea power. A largo crowd was congrogated along the high rock c.iff seashore, with the Dunbar gap of sad memory; foaming, dashing, restless. The sea was smooth, with just sufficient breeze to throw the folds of flags and dresses to the wind. Numerous yachts and steamer* dotted the look semwards, and the trails of steamers' smoke against the skyline were countless. But now, at hand, to the southward all eyes looted out through glasses for the smoke and dark hull of the Royal Arthur, well known to us. It was Queen's weather, and Captain Dickson and his commanders are sure to keep Queen's time. The landing at Farm Cove was fixed at 13.30 a.m., and the Royal Arthur wan seen tY> heave in sight after 9 a.m., steaming slowly. I was at the heads before 9 o'clock, as the nautical display had charms for me,

and the public. The gathering of the thirdrate men-of-war outside the heads was full of interest and grand ua,val evolution.

THE NAVAL WELCOME.

After 9 p.m. the ships filed steadily out of the harbour and stood for the open sea, on '' tho offing." It was right that the. naval base of the station should make a powerful demonstration, just as the Admiral and his

liaudy men could do. The shipping companies, ; to their credit, joined hands all round with ■ the naval and harbour authorities to make the naval welcome worthy and impressive. The ■ reception crnd escort ships looked trim and • smart upon the ocean wave, with the sig- , nailers busy upon the decks. Many steamers , followed in the wake of the small gunboats t nnd cruiser?, swelling the flotilla, and producing excellent effects. Two main'or double lines were seen to form, headed by the warships, (he merchant fleet creeping up in good distance, through which lines the flagship had to pas?. Admiral Pearson hoisted his flag on the Porpoise, third-class cruiser. The other ships of the fleet were the third-class cruiser Archer, the first-class gunboat Ringdove, tho sloop Torch, and the Australian cruisers Karrakatf:; and Boomerang. Steamers of all sizes crowded the eea=oape, and it was wonderful to see how they dropped into the linn of ships, making " a long sel\ lane." The steamship - owners hud certainly borne a hand to make (lie nautical display like that off Portsmouth or Plymouth"; in fact, I almost heard the skippers sinking out for Drake " down thai; below," though T could rot admire our weak naval strength. Captain Hdie and his pilot staff ably seconded the fignal? of the -Admir.il. Steam was available at 10 knots speed. .When the ships got fairly into formation, a dHanee of six cables lay between tho warships and merchant ships; and the two main lines were four cables apart. After watching the naval evolutions before our eyes and the crews preparing or drilling to" dress ships, tho cry o-ot up, "There.she is; I know it's her! That's tho Royal Arthur!'* Tn (he hazy, brilliant distance where sky and water meet, a thin, black streak of smoke was seen, and in half an hour was seen the hull and smoke stacks of the flag-ship, with the Governor-general on board. °Socn the spray at the bow was seen dancing in the morning sun. just as if Neptune was ohasimr the foam, and the crew singing "It's Kule Britannia still." Nearer and nearer came the flying cruiser in all tho pride, pomp, band-playing, and flag-decoration at sea. With a slow yet majestic aopearance. on tho Royal Arthur came, the beau ideal of a British man-of-war, until cheers and music came over the deep, hie sea, scattering tho echoes upon dry land. As Hie stately cruiser was eeen to near the two lines- of ships, cheers arose from the hemla and extended to Botany. Life on sea nnd land became wonderfully anim^ed, and the ships keeping in " foa-dog " line and (he ordered, cable distance. Then the Royal Arthur entered the lane of ships, cheers arose with the surrounding swell, nml ships burst forth in loud, roaring salutes, rounding with great effect over the sea, resembling a mimic HaM—" Shins of wnr at sea; >ye have sighted fiftv-thrpe." The cheers of the shore and the thunder of the fleet awoke within the brenst the deepest patriotism and race congratulation. The Queen of the North and South had met, and kissed. Tt was n sight ever lo \ )9 remembered at the heads. As the Royal Arthur steamed up the sea lines, the leading warships turned outwards and fired a sharp, loud salute, which tactic was repeated by every ship following out in succession, at the same time, dinning their respective colours as tho flagship and Goyernor-gcno-ral passed, hoisting the ensign aunin as the next ship aslern poured forth her salute Tim merchant -bins followed six cables behind (he varsbins. whilst (be men-of-wnr shirs turned rhnrl and formal ln , in(o single line. Tho mr-ohant rhips fo-med a long line. 10 cables from the men-of-'var, to prepare (o fovnp i),n heads in a line of nrocession. The Johdinir warship* rounded into n. position to sl»cr in pretty formation between tl.e crowded North nn'd .South Fends. When the warships rounded Hie merchant croft in-shore and stormed their knot speed and steeved t-.v o points towards the offshove line, the off-shore line passed, and w ith the in - shore line of shins tlipv Honmotl abend at piirht-knot speed, and tli"n formed elation in lines behind tl.» offshore line. The leading ooean-oarrinr hoiste-.l the signal of " Steam ahead." When this lending s |,in was clear of. Hie sternmost ship of the off-shore line, the rigml went down, and away steamed all the shins at an eonnl speed up the hnrhfmr, Tne seamrinsnir) and encmeermansnip were Bo much for the firpf. phase of TloH TTonptoun's welcome to the seat of his Federnl Government.

THE HARBDT7R PUOOESSTON.

A!l the war nnel merchant ships hnvinE nnssed thn heads and veerprl round via Nn'i'nni Bay. tliov proceeded through a disjointed lahvrinth of aniline; ships nntl steamers of nil grades and pluses. Fla.rrs again dinpecl as the two heads townships were passed. Hip sirpn porenmed. and now ramp the passasp up tlio splendid linrbonr. Tt is not oeotism on my part to say, U'.p Brpiip havine ehniißP'l from eon to inland ivnlPrs. fiat tl'p' harhom- pr^minn 'va? a pirfin'9 almost indeKprihaWc. Crowds, and nli^ors were ,nn pyerr h^arl nntl I'Hlp bay. Flatrs worn n'-ourlli- flnnlinff nnon Slmvk. Clarke. n,»l Oarden T f ?r,nd«. and" on Tor I Dpnison. Life nn'l puiety aiiir"n.t-pd the =)ior?Q a"d Ir O pi°s of P l. flporp". Middlo "-d flrndlnvV Head"- of C'ifton, Crnmoi-nn. ■^rnssrnnn'p. 'OoTdilp. ■RuslipuHers'. T!ofp. an'l Wli7.ahtl' 'Ray. nnfi! f,1 pi-den Tslnnd .nnd Warm *"'ovp were \vl"iin il'-innpo, wit,'- fl\p i"vo?e fl.Tr rieivs of \ Tn,-tl. Shore. A-Wmll" Wnrarn. Voolloomnnioo. F-awes Point, nnd Oirf.lar o;iav. witl. tlm forest of R pirn. tower ""'I m"sl. Tlip while prore«;rn top i. naulienl trinivnli : in fart, no Dojp nf Vpniep lia<7 n frrpatir demonstration—indpn.-l. ;\u.sr"!>lia h\* f'fl i'""oer'"sion w> n vT(%'innrl lo Hip ,Wirnl Pnnlfir Sea. The TJnyni ,\v11,;..- l.nd in ■■■»=> up t!m lu>-honr thro-irrl, morp linos and lanps if r'-ipnin-' ay. -nohnr or on tip mcive. with cMns drew^d, imd

.•oliMT.;nou« ch"o« 'mm a hni'dred thoitpn'-rl H.-nats. iiix-Pd wi('< loud s-.ilutes and the lirino* d' rriui-1. 1 lie crowf niTi noopln yppnipd to "ie ii roariuo* enrh other d^wn ;,, 11,0 l> P ;,vl,t of mne rn'riulis«T and Au?--trnlin'l 'vf'ponie. and pride of belonging to Imperial F.-n-Innrl.

OF!.' FOR'r HEXIfIOV

The Ttovnl'^riW ami warM-ns monrrrl | n their buoy; off Mncnnari"'s Chn-'r nnd Vnrt t"ieni=on. ' The scp.i>r- here wns the prettied. Tii" day M"^': mn^nin^nnt. niitl everyone wlin had c -"'neht or sailing bont was out upon in a Ivlf-moon shnpp nrniind the landing <^fige. Open bonls got 'nto lvusitioi' unon cr.cb side nf the Innp throned) whip the Governor-feiierM'* lniinc'i was in nis?. Afte- w;lin<* an hnnr. vot. rlmri.lv at 11.30 n.™.. ths bind of the flacrtill IP p^i'Mplf lip (1 (1(1 Fn VP i-n l "* O"CTI, fit! Torcl T-Top«to>.n v-'i* 1 down the s^ncrivav i"to Hip P-ovol ArtW S'ntc bnrtrp. fln<r fell from H. P mo=t, tiv-1 If cj"is wore fired from Tort ni,d flopt. n-d all the otoaniprs, larsp ard "mall. <cnt fm-th n londor d:., in thp ■jhnnr o< fo<r ni'd "Vrenie whist'es. The flacn fluttpvpd M 1 the breeze, the ashore ag^iiii t-civc'l cheerc svinnt^etie cheers full Evcollencv as Hv " haiirlv nW" slowly, and wit'l mea*ure(l pulled for the chore, np U^'V'w st:>".e. The r>?onle were radiant will, dnlio-ht. .-"-d ('"= iiiniUcnl.fliipbv '-etwet-r, (),o ■■'lore nnd fla<>«l'ip remiiu'erl one of H>e. f4r<ir-l f!a,nnt »t V rP ;oo. m- n ~a v!, l i,,1,i1 n0 di-.r,l^- m

the R"ler>t. The heicM.s nr O "^d T.adv >fne-onnrlp'-i Chai'* ern^'e Miou«a*v.l* nf people n "ood "iev. The 1.-nplln f"d l»dwp^ oF rock former! uioturesq"" gnllc-irs of f->ir wonim and brnve inon. Tl,r, polie». nraded by tbn hundred. The T.arf«rs lined the Domain avenues, nnd P'iin**ds of honour were drnwn up nrii"vl the pavilion, where stood Sydney oßieialclom.

TT-TE TVSXDTNT!

Great were the cHeers, respectful Urn tone, and smiling; were the faces of Indies, judges, ministers, bishops, moderators, church chairmen, and presidents. I saw no Roman Cr.tho-

I lie clergymen in the procession. Members of Parliament, under-secretaries, officers, mayors and ex-mayors, Aldermen, professors, committeemen, and dozens it would be good to know, and dozens that it would be good not to know, in public life. Upon tho landing stage, or at the pavilion, the Premior and his Ministers were in force, with the old and new mayors of Sydney, all resolved to sink differences and give a noblo welcome to his Excellency as the first Governor-general. Getting out of the .war launch, surrounded by a hundred boats with uplifted oars, and the sons of the sea " at attention," Lord Hopetoun landed, under military salutes, the booming of guns from battery and headland again making the morning air to ring with glnd welcome and the joy of a whole colonial people. The Admiral did not land, but, Lord Hopetoun was escorted by many naval, marine, and military officers, his private secretaries, A.D.C.'s, and personal staff, some of whom were fresh from the front in South Africa. The pavilion looked gay with greenery, bunting, shields, busts, flags, and blending colours. Lord Hopotoun looked pale, thin, wane, and lean, yet bearing up against the dregs of an Indian fever and Hie excitement of the day with a stout ''cart, wo'lhy of those Sir John and Adripn Hopes, Crmtain and Admiral Hopes, and that long li«t of ancestors that helped with sword and brain to build up the great British and Colonial Eml?ire. His family courage and public duty kept im the brave benrt within the sick frame. The city procession must form another article.