OPENING OF CANBERRA

Southland Times, Issue 20172, 7 May 1927, Page 7

OPENING OF CANBERRA

INDIA’S REPRESENTATIVE ARRIVES. PREPARATIONS FOR GREAT DAY. Sydney, May 6. Dewan Bahadur Rangachariar, representative of the Indian Government at the Canberra ceremonies, has arrived. In an interview he said India was proud to belong to the British Empire. Her aim is to be a self-governing unit in the Commonwealth, of Nations and it is for that she is working. The weather, which is cold, unsettled and showery, is causing uneasiness about Monday’s Canberra arrangements. Rain would greatly mar many outdoor functions included in the programme. The roads to the Federal capital are reported to be in bad condition following late heavy rains, and motorists en route are having a difficult time. Canberra is steadily filling up with officials, troops and visitors, and everything is at fever heat to put on the final touches for the great event. To-morrow there will be a full rehearsal of the whole programme. One feature of the ceremonies will be when the Royal Party mount the platform at Parliament House. Dame Melba will step forward to sing the National Anthem and the public will be asked to repress a desire to join in the singing, so that the singer’s voice may be clearly heard, but after Melba sings each verse the choir and public will repeat it.—A. and N.Z. NO ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR PERMITTED. (Rec. 8.0 p.m.) Sydney, May 6. Mr Bruce has announced that no alcoholic liquor will be provided at the official luncheon or any other official function at Canberra while the present legislation prohibiting the sale of liquor in the Federal territory is in force.—A. and N.Z.