Birth of New Nation

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 174, 2 November 1910, Page 5

Birth of New Nation

DUKE OF CONNAUGHTS SPEECH. " UXITED FOR A COMMON PURPOSE." By. Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Capetown, October 31. The Mayor of Capetown, in his speech at the reception, said that the DuKe's advent proclaimed the birth of the new era foretold by our greatest statesman and striven for by the truest patriots, and possibly their splendid sacrifices for the Union would enable South Africa to take her place amongst the first countries in the world as a centre of industry.

Numerous addresses were presented. The Duke of Connaught, on rising to respond, received an immense ovation. He thanked those present on behalf of King George for their sentiments of loyalty and devotion and assured the many thousands of the King's subjects, European, Asiatic and African, of his Majesty's interest in their welfare. "The sad event," he continued, "which prevented the opening of the Union Parliament being honored by the presence of the Heir Apparent was fresh in their minds. It would have been a fitting culmination to the efforts of the statesmen and people of South Africa in the cause of unity and conciliation that the last stone of the edifice should have been laid by the son of a monarch whose name would be associated for all time with love of peace and hate of discord." —(Loud cheers). He was deeply sensible of the honor conferred on him in choosing him to take the place which King Edward had intended his son himself to fill. Two and a-half centuries, with more than their share of war and strife, looked down upon the labors of the Convention and the spirit wherein these labors were undertaken, carried through, and consummated in full, was a hopeful augury for the centuries to come. The Duke referred to the sacrifices made by Capetown and Cape Colony for the sake of the Union, adding that there was no truer indication of the soundness of the people's heart, even of their fitness and ability to take and maintain their place among the nations than the willingness of sections of the community to sacrifice their own material interests to the common ideal which could only exert its full influence upon the basis of material prosperity. He contemplated Capetown joining in the general advance in South African commerce and industry, and holding an even higher place than she occupied to-day, and not Capetown only, but all the many ancient and honorable communities represented there, of different races and religions, but united for a common purpose, and owing allegiance to a single throne. When the Duke resumed his seat the ovation was repeated. Leaving the City Hall, the Duke of Connaught drove through streets full of cheering people to Government Avenue, where, amid the luxuriant oaks, thousands of children were drawn .up and sang the National Anthem, God of Bethel, and other hymns. Thence the procession made its way to Government House.

The whole reception was extraordinarily enthusiastic. The fog had cleared as the Duke of Connaught's party landed, and the weather was now radiantly beautiful.

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. Capetown. October 31. The Governor-General proceeded to the Senate Honse, where in the presence of the members of both Houses the Royal Commission apointing the Duke of Connaught to open the first Parliament, was read in English and in Dutch. Lord Gladstone then announced iha,t the Duke of Connaught on Friday would deliver the message of the King to Parliament. Members were then sworn in, and the House adjourned till to-morrow. THE NATIONAL PAGEANT. Capetown, October 31. The pageant took place in the afternoon, and was again favored with glorious weather. There was a crowded attendance, and Saturday's magnificent success was repeated. To-day's episodes depicted various noteworthy and stirring incidents from 1813 to 1854, including a realistic defence of a laager against a Kaffir attack, and finally the most effective allegorical presentation indicative of the evolution of South Africa, all the performers participating. The culminating point was the groups representing the four provinces and the Union meeting, and the entire bodv of performers singing the National Anthem and Te Deum. CAPETOWN EN FETE. Capetown, October 31. Reuter states that the entire centre of Capetown was magnificently illuminated. AH the principal buildings were outlined, and strings of vari-colored lights entwined with garlands spanned the main thoroughfares. Oak Avenue had a fairy-like effect against the majestic rock background of Table Mountain. Dense crowds were parading to and fro to see the magnificent sisht. which was hitherto unparalleled in Africa.

A QUIET DAY. Received 2. 1 a.m. Capetown. November 1. The Duke of Connaught and party are having a comparatively quiet day. They motored out to the Government vine farm in the beautiful Constantia Vr' ley, under the lee of Table "Mountain through the late Mr. Cecil Rin.-l-:' e=tate at Groote Schuur, and r ->n"< through the historic oak avenue, pi.Mited. in the early period o' Dutch se'/l*awnt