THE COMMONWEALTH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11935, 8 January 1901, Page 5

THE COMMONWEALTH.

A AIUtfICiPAL BANQUET. TEE DATE OF THE ELECTIONS. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright, CHURCH SERVICES, ' SYDNEY, January 7. (Received Jan. 7, at 9,49 a.m.') The State thanksgiving service wps conducted by. the Primate, assisted by the Bishops of Brisbane and Adelaide. The Primate also attended the Presbyterian service held later in the day. High Pontifical Mass was celebrated at St. Mary's by Bishop Dwyer, of Maitland. Cardinal Jioran was present. SIR R. STOUT'S ADDRESS. (Received Jan. 7, at 9.36 a.m.) Sir Robert Stout, in his speech, said that the Commonwealth must proclaim to the people of Australia that theirs is a Government absolutely free and recognising no distinction in creed or nationality, a Government under which there is equality before the law, and one that is suffused with fraternity. He did not envy the pioneers of Australia or the builders-up of the- Commonwealth, but he envied tbe young Australians, who have the work of the Constitution created for the whole of their vast continent. The new Ministry had an exceedingly arduous task before them, and they will have to get rid of the provincial feelings which exist, and will exist, for years to come. He expressed the hope that the Commonwealth Government would attain a high position among the Governments of the world, and that they would show that they are ever keeping before them not merely commercial greatness, not merely -in increase of population, but what should be the ideal of every Government—namely, to have the 'best race of the best-bred men, and who will be imbued with a higher conception of life and conduct than lias ever yet obtained in any democracy. REPLY TO THE QUEEN'-S MESSAGE. Lord Hopetoun has cabled on 'behalf of the Commonwealth thanking the Queen for her good wishes.

BANQUET TO MUNICIPAL REPRESENTATIVES. A SLIGHT ACCIDENT. SYDNEY, January 7. (Received Jan. 7, at 10.55 p.m.) The Chiof Secretary presided at the luncheon tendered by the New South Wales Government to the Australasian municipal representatives visiting Sydney. There was a brilliant gathering in the Town Hall, nearly 500 being present, including Mr Barton. . The desire of the crowds to obtain a memento was to some extent the cause of an unfortunate accident to the coal arch erected on the route of the procession, and a portion collapsed. There was a large crowd in the vicinity. One man was slirfitly injured, and his young daughter had several teeth broken.

THE FEDERAL CABINET. . SYDNEY, January 7. (Received Jan. 7, at 9.49 a.m.) The Federal Cabinet meet on Wednesday, probably to arrange the elections, which will take p'.acc during the first week of April. The Cabinet will also discuss the , general policy, whicn Mr Barton is expected to unfold at Maitland next week. Jtfr N. E. Lewis (Premier of Tasmania) does not intend to sesk a. seat in the Federal Parliament. He will, therefore, hold his Cabinet position only until the Parliament meets. SENTENCES COMMUTED. BRISBANE. January 6. As an outcome of the "Commonwealth celebrations, nearly. 500 prisoners have remissions of their sentences granted. Several life sentences were reduced; the balance of the sentences of others are remitted entirely. THE LANDING OF CAPTAIN COOK. A TRIP TO BOTANY BAY. SYDNEY, January 7. . (Received January 7, ait 0.40 a.m. ) A large number of visitors made a- pil-, grimage to-day to Kurnell, the southern shore of Isotr.ny.Bay, where Captain Cook landed in 1770. There was beautiful weather. Messrs Seddon and Carroll and the Maori chiefs were present. After luncheon, Mr Seddon thanked New South Wales for the kindness shown to New Zealanders, and also displayed towards her sons returned from the Avar. Mr Hassall, in reply, said the Government had done their best to gather together representative men of Australia, and on behalf of the Ministry and people extended the hand of friendship to New Zealand and the Native representatives. He hoped and believed they would soon see New Zealand join the union. Then followed a theatrical representation of the landing'of Captain Cook. An old vessel named the Endeavour lay in the bay. Presently two boatloads, containing . Captain Cook, Bd.til;s, Solander, soldiers, and sailors, approached the shore. A band of hideously painted blacks, specially brought from Queensland for the purpose, rushed on the beach, and welcomed the boats by pitching spears. So hostile : was the demonstration that Captain Ccok ordered his gallants 'to fire, which they did from ancient guns which must make the firers apprehensive of the results. However, the effect on the natives was instantaneous, and they ignominioHsly fled. Captain Cook and his followers marched up the shore and took up a position on the stage. The ferosious natives, who somehow or othei* had 'been quietened, took up a position at the buck of the platform; while Captain Cook, Solander, and Banks recited some high sounding poetry about the Commonwealth, which finally subdued the natives, for they made no further objection to being discovered. Mr Seddon, Sir W. J. Lyne, and Sir J. Forrest congratulated the actors on their delivery of modern after-lunch speeches. Sir W. J. Lyne said that as far as New Zealand was concerned he likened Mr Seddon to the Czar of Russia, and jocularly remarked that if New Zealand decided to come into the union' Australia would have to look to her guns or Mr Seddon would ta.ke Australia to New Zealand, instead of things being the other way. Mr Carroll hoped the enlightened statesmen of the Commonwealth would do their utmost in helping to improve the condition of the aboriginal. NAVAL AND MILITARY SPORTS. SYDNEY, January 7.. (Received January 8, at 1.10 a.m.) The naval and military sports at the Agricultural Society's grounds attracted am enormous attendance. The. assemblage presented a picturesque appearance. Imperial and Indian troops were present in large force, the bright uniform being set off by the khaki of the colonials and the blue of the Navals. The entries for the various events were large, and competition between the Imperials and colonials keen. The latter managed to give a good account of themselves. Sergeant Brady's team of New South Wales Lancers evoked great enthusiasm, and were winners of the cavalry sword exercise prize, the King's Bragoon Guards being second, and the 17th Hussars third. The competitors included the 21st Lancasters, the Household Cavalry, Royal Artillery. Croke Wyndham won the officers' prize for heads and posts; Lieutenant Dangar, of the New South Wales Lancers the officers' prize for lemon cutting ; Trooper Macgregor, First Australians, the hnrsem'en's prize; Lieutenamt Hall, New South Wales Lancers, the riding and jumping competition—in each case beating Imperial competitors. The Rojal Field Artillery gave a fine, display of driving. There were several nasty spills during the day, but none were serious. CYCLING MEETING. (Received January 8, at 1.40 am.) At the League of Wheelmen Commonwealth meeting William Martin won the Lyne Wheel Race, with Morgan second, and Bcauchamp third. The prizes were £200, £50, and £25. Lawson, the American, Avon the Mile' Championship of Australasia in 2min 16 2-ssec.