THE NEW SOUTH WALES CENTENARY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 7169, 13 September 1886, Page 2

THE NEW SOUTH WALES CENTENARY.

The Government proposals o£ how the centenary of New South Wales shall be celebrated was made in the Legislative Assembly the other night. The programme which the Government are inclined to adopt is a very elaborate one. It proposes a fifteen daj's's carnival commencing on the 23rd January in tho centennial year, and ending on the 7th February, and comprising receptions of I distinguished persons and scientific bodies, the holdings of banquets, naval and military reviews, an international aquatic festival, international rifle matches, special race meetings, athletic sports, excursions, the holding of a great industrial and agricultural pastoral show, music festivals, a grand parade ol! school children, the illumination of the city and the harbour, the completion and opening of tho National Art Gallery, the erection and opening of j a suitable building for technical education; the opening of the Centennial or City flail in connection with the Town ilalJ, of a Trades' Hall, of the Free Public Library, after the alterations and additions which are being made to that building have been completed, of the Nepean Water Supply Works, and of the National Park. It is proposed to issue invitations to the Prince of Wales and such other members of the Royal Family who can be induced to attend the celebration, and to the British Assooiation for the Advancement of Science; and that the invitations to persons distinguished in the politics), literary, artistic, or scientific world should be sent throughout the > British Empire. Another feature of the programme is a proposal to obtain the presence of a squadron of the Royal Navy, 111 addition to the ships of war oa the station. The period of 15 days is chosen because it includes the anniversaries oJ three very prominent days and notable events in tho history of the colony— the 23rd January, when Governor Phillip camo round with his boats from Botany Bay and landed at Sydney Cove; tho 26th January, when the British flag was hoisted, and tho colony was founded ; and the 7th February, when the proclamation of the .colony was formally made.