The Federation of Aus tralia.

Southland Times, Issue 14816, 18 December 1900, Page 3

The Federation of Aus tralia.

(United Pkess Association* — By Electric TELEORAI'H CIU'YRIOHT.) % Sydney, Dec. 17. The Earl of Hopetoun was much gratified with the warmth of the reception accorded him. He had suffered no ill effects from the exertion. 1 Being the Jewish Sabbath, that section of the community was unable to participate in Saturday's ceremonial, but the following expression of welcome has been given by the Rabbi : — "Do you hear the joy bells ringing ? They are announcing the opening scene in the great national dratma now about to be enacted. They are announcing the arrival of the first Governor-General of United Australia. Your ministers cannot be out there to-day representing Otir community, testifying by their presence loyalty to the throne and the Commonwealth, but we can, from this sacred place, invoke _ Heaven's best blessing on the Governor-* General and the new-born nation, and pray that the new ruler will be blessed with strength of body, strength of mind and wisdom of heart, to fulfill with satisfaction his high and responsible duties. We pray that the Commonwealth be blessed in its inception, elzic! tKrongK the long cycle of ages 'may peace be within our borders and prosperity within our gates.' " It is estimated that 100,000 people viewed the arrival of Lord Hopetoun, although his early arrival, and the fact that no public holiday had been proclaimed, affected the attendance. It is understood that Lord Hopetoun's earliest act will be to arrange a provisional Federal Ministry, He stood Saturday's ordeal well, but at present is suffering a slight reaction.