THE COMMONWEALTH.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2980, 2 January 1901, Page 2

THE COMMONWEALTH.

Received 9.41 a.m., December 31sfc. SYDNEY, December 31,

The “ Herald ” states that the members of the first Cabinet represent promising material for a strong Cabinet. The “ Telegraph ” says that political policy had nothing to do with the selection of the new Government, but political luck favoured the Protectionists. The fiscal issue will be as sharp as any fiscal issue ever was. The Freetraders of the Commonwealth must now g«fc ready for the fray. With the /tremendous influx of visitors for the past two days, there is still plenty of accommodation.

Orving to a slight relapse, Lady Hopetoun will be unable to participate in the procession to-morrow. Received 1.55 a.m., January Ist.

Mr R. E. O’Connor, of New South Wales, and Mr Lewis, Premier of Tasmania, will be sworn in as honorary members of the Federal Cabinet, the former as vice-president, and Mr Lewis as a member of the Executive Council. A severe thunderstorm broke over the city shortly after 7 o’clock to-night, accompanied by a high wind and torrents of rain. It lasted about an hour; did but little damage to the decorations and undamped the ardour of the immense crowds which were in the streets.

Received 1.55 a.m., January Ist. LONDON, December 31

It is reported that Lord Carrington has been offered the High Commissionership of Australia in London under the Commonwealth.

SYDNEY, December 31.

A considerable section of the crowd in the streets to-night appear inclined to make a noisy night or it. Midnight services were held at all the Protestant churches to-night. Special prayers of intercession were offered to Almighty God for the divine blessing on the Empire and Commonwealth. At the Synagogue the service included a special thanksgiving for the consummation of Federation, and a blessing on Lord Hopetoun and the Commonwealth. At St. Mary’s Cathedral a thanksgiving mass was celebrated. The Government treated the officers of the Imperial and intercolonial forces to a trip to Hawkesbury to-day.