AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11931, 3 January 1901, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH.

Press Association— By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, January 2. (Received Jan. 3, at 0.34 a.m.) All the Australian Agency-generals were lavishly decorated in honour of the Commonwealth. ' ! 'The Daily Telegraph says the Commonwealth' is. a<great stride in tljc direction of Imperial federation,

REPLYING TO THE QUEEN'S MESSAGE. SYDNEY, January 2. (Received Jan. 3, at 0.49 a.m.) ' • Lqrd Hopetoun despatehed messages to Mr Chamberlain in reply to those from the' Queen and Imperial Government on behalf of himself and Ministers of the Commonwealth. He expresses the deep gratitude of her subjects throughout Australia for the Queen's gracious message. They Heartily join her Majesty in the hope that divine Providenco may grant an increase of prosperity and well-being to her devoted subjects of this hew nation with the Empire. It is tho earnest desire of

these subjects that her noble and gracious Majesty may be spared to watch and encourage the/development of tho Empire in poace, mutual trust, and love.

The second message says:" At tho request of my Ministers, I desire to express their gratification at the way in which the message from the Queen was everywhere received. They do believe that by the federation of communities which have divided the tasks and responsibilities of the settlements of Australia and Tasmania a further step has been taken towards permanent iSmpiro. They nlso wish to express confidence that no desiro or ability on the part of the States to ronder services to tho Queen or Empire will be diminished, but, on the contrary, that both will bo enhanced .by .the union of the forces and resources of the Commonwealth."

Two other messages descrilio sharing tlio attendant enthusiasm. Lord Hopoloun says;— "The plaudits of tlio peoplo testify tlioir high appreciation of the Queen'B rhoico of myself and her action in sending Imperial troops to graco the'ceremony."

THE ILLUMINATIONS RENEWED. MANY BRILLIANT GATHERINGS. SYDNEY, January 2. (Received January 3, at 1.2 a.m.) The, city to-night was magnificent. All the illuminations are in full swing and in bettor working order than last night. Donee throngs promenade the main thoroughfares. The Avenue of Nations is gorgeous ill the extreme. The scenic effect is brilliant, the Post Office tower a glittering column standing 'sentinel-like in a great transformation scene, for it is that and nothing more, Electricity is'chiefly employed, und at a given hour the movement of a few switches converts the darkening city into a picture of sparkling magnificence. , The conversazione in tlio Town Hall was brilliant. A crowded assemblage of 2000 guests' attended. A musical programme was presented. ."';The military, too, had a gay gathering at the barracks, where a military tattoo was conducted. A continental was held in the Domain, which, together with the various parks, is transformed into a fairyland by myriads of coloured lampß intertwined with the foliage of every tree. At intervals bands are stationed playing popular airs. ■ The Highlanders wound up the festivities of the day by a concert such as is dear to the heart of Scotia's sons, and amidst all this rejoicing thore is one pathetic note honouring the memory of the man who did so much to bring about tho rejoicings of tho hour—Sir Henry Pnrkos. The veteran sleeps in seclusion in' the cemetery at Faulconbridge, and ■ while yesterday's events were in progress his grave was covered with many beautiful wreaths. (Received January 3, at 1.20 a.m.) Lord Hopetoun entertained, high official guests at dinner. Honour was shown to Nov/ Zealand by placing Mr Seddon next to the Federal Premier. ' 1