COMMONWEALTH CELEBRATIONS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 9036, 3 January 1901, Page 4

COMMONWEALTH CELEBRATIONS.

THE SCOTCHMEN'S DAY.

FIRE BRIGADE DEMONSTRATION. Klectrio Telegraph Copyright— United Preßs Association. SYDNEY, Jan. 2. To-day was practically an off day. The Scotchmen, having given up New Years Day m favor of the inauguration ceremonies, held high festival today m the Cricket Ground. Crowds witnessed the Highland sports, and the scene was animated. ' llje colors of the many military contin- j gents mixing amongst the throng Heightened the effect. The Southland Pipers excited much applause by their j fine playing. The Governor-General visited the ground during the afternoon, every , soldier standing to salute when the i Governor appeared. Many of the lead- I ing citizens attended luncheon, and ihe usual toasts were drunk with , Scorch enthusiasm. The speeches wiire of the briefest. Sir W. Lyne replied to the toast of the Commonwealth. He apologised for the absence of the Federal Premier. A splendid display by the United Fire Brigades was held m the Prince j Alfred Park. After the procession, | which passed through the main streets, the brigades proceeded to demonstrate the difference between the fire appliances of to-day and those of last century. Ancient fire engines, worked by equally ancient firemen, gave a tine picture of the early system, those representing the work of last century wearing appropriate uniforms. An eighteenth century engine named "Niagara" put up a fine stream of water for so unsystematic a piece of machinery. Side by side there worked one oi the most modern steam fire engines that Sydney presented. The display from an historical point of' view was very interesting. The weather was sue, but warm. - me city to-night was magnificent, all the illuminations being m full swing. They were m better working order than last liigat, and dense throngs promenaded the J jituin thoroughfares. The avenue of nations was gorgeous, and the extreme j tcLiiic etfect was brilliant. The Post j Unite tower was a glittering column j standing sentinel-like m a great transluniiiiuon scene, for it is that and nothjujj more. Electricity is chiefly employea, and at a given hour the movement of it few switches converts a darkened city into v picture of sparkling magnificence. TUe conversazione m the Town Hall was a brilliant if crowded assemblage. Two thousand guests attended, and a musical piogramnie was presented. The military, too, had a gay gathering at the Barracks, where a military tattoo was conducted. A continental gathering was held m the Domain, which, together with the various parks, was transformed into a fain-land of myriads of colored lamps, interwound with foliage, on every tree-top. Bunds were appropriately stationed playing popular airs, and the Highlanders wound up the festivities of the day by a concert such as is dear to the hearts of Scotia's sons. Amidst all the rejoicing one pathetic note is hovering m memory of the man who did so much to bring about the rejoicings of the hour— Sir Henry Parkes. The veteran sleeps m seclusion m the cemetery at Fiiukoii Bridge, and while yesterday's events were m progress his grave was covered with many beautiful wreaths. Lord Hopetoun entertained the high official guests at dinner, and honor was shown to New Zealand by placing Mr Seddon nest to the' Federal Premier. CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES. Ih'i Governor-General has received congi &tul:uory messages from . Tasmania, Mr Ward, the New Zealand Government, and the colonists of Natal. LieutenaDt-General Gaselee cabled good wishes from the China field force to Australia, which so opportunely assisted with a valuable contingent. .Messages also came from Sir Henry Berkeley, Cliief Justice of Fiji ; from the Australians at Salisbury, Rhodesia; from the Norwegian Premier ; from the Administrator of the Netherlands ; and from India. The Australian Society at New York wired : "Felicitate you and the nation to-day" ; and fiom the American Consul-General at Melbourne. Lord Hopetoun despatched messages to the Hon. Mr Chamberlain m reply to those from the Queen and Imperial Government on behalf of himself and Ministers of the Commonwealth : " Express deep gratitude of her subjects throughout Australia for the Queen's most gracious message. They heartily join with Her Majesty and hope that Divine Providence may grant increase of prosperity and well-being to devoted subjects m this new nation within its Empire, ' and it is the earnest desire of these subjects that her noble and gracious Majesty will be spared to watch and encourage the development of the Empire m peace, mutual trust, and love." A second message says : "At the request of my Ministers, I desire to express their gratification at the way m which the message from the Queen "was everywhere received, They believe that by Federation communities which have divided tasks and responsibilities will arrive at a settlement. In Australia and Tasmania a further step has been taken ' towards permanent empire. We also wish to express confidence that no desire ! or ability on the part of the States to 1 render services to Queen or Empire will! be diminished, but on the contrary both will be enhanced by the union of forces ! and resources of the Commonwealth." Two other messages describe the showering attendant enthusiasm, Lord Hopetoun stating that the plaudits of the people testified their high appreciation of the Queen's choice of himself, and her; action m sending Imperial troops to grace the ceremony: LONDON, Jan. 2. The Times says that the note of loyally and love for the Sovereign and Motherland as pronounced m Sydney is a notable triumph m the larger freedom or hope of a great future destiny. The Daily News expresses the hope that Australians will develop a noble type of national life, and' a lofty standard of public duty. All papers are sympathetic, and predict a splendid future for the Commonwealth. The Duke of York has been gazetted Rear- Admiral. All tfie Australian Agencies-General were lavishly decorated m honor of the Commonwealth. The Daily Telegraph says that the fCominonwealth is a great stride m the direction of Imperial Federation.