MAKING HISTORY.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 15163, 6 October 1913, Page 7

MAKING HISTORY.

AUSTRALIA'S FLEET ASSEMBLED. ■UNDER AUSTRALT AN ADMIRAL. Press Association —By Tel.-—Copyright. (Received' 2 p.b., Oct. 4th.) ... SYRNEY,Oct. 4. Australia to-day is celebrating a notable event in welcoming fclie nucleus of her first war fleet to its home waters. The declaration of a public holiday, combined with, brilliant weather greatly assisted the efforts of the authorities in making the function impressive and October 4th a Red Letter day in tlhe history of the Commonwealth. From the city itself, aglow with bunting and greenery, from widespread suburbs and country districts, people at an early hour commenced pouring to the harbour frontages, the outer cliffs, the marine parks and other points of Vantage, until by the time the first of the warships, moving in a stately procession off the coast, made its appearance in the distant offing, the whole line of coast and harbour from beyond Uondi to the anchorage . ground at Farm Oove was black with humanity, while the waters of the harbour were alive with decorated craft of all descriptions. Intense enthusiasm prevailed everywhere, bands stationed at intervals enlivening the proceedings. The warships road© a fine spectacle, as the line, headed by the Australia, followed by the Sydney. Melbourne, Encounter, Warrego, Yarra and Paramatta at regular intervals, swung round and entered the Heads, and slowly steamed down the harbour to the anchorage. They were directed with wide-wafted cheers from the multitude, the strains of bands and bellxinging. A large choir of public school children stationed near the Heads sang patriotic songs, to a deafening chorus supplied by hundreds of steam crafts, whose welcoming whistles were stopped while the sinking was in progress. The fleet entered!"at 10.30 a.m., and steamers conveying the Federal and S+ate Ministers and other distinguielbed nersons met outside, the Heads and followed them in.

(Received 5.5 p.m.. Oct sth.)

As the fleet proceeded down the harbour it was saluted with big guns, the Cambrian, replying. During the afternoon many of the officers and men visited Randwick races. Great crowds viewed the city and harbour illuminations at night. Public buildings and many private buildings were ablaze, and there were many fine designs. A Venetian Carnival was held on the harbour, the warships were beautifully outlined, and a'great searchlight display was especially effective. Lord Denman presided at a brilliant representative gathering at the Federal Government banquet in the Town Hall at night, in honour, of Admiral Patey and mis offioers, the proceedings and speeches were marked by loyal enthusiasm.

THE NEW FLAG. When the Australia'arrived flying Admiral Pa.tey's flag, Admiral Bang Hair's flag was hauled dlown. Admiral King Hall; in a farewell' meshim for their loyal support and •wishessuccess to the royal Australian Navy. CONGRATULATIONS. FROM OTHER DOMINIONS. Congratulations on the arrival of the' Australian fleet include messages from the Hon. W: F. Massey, Prime Minister of New, Zealand; Sir Joseph -W.ai*a, leader of the Onposition; the Right' Hon. Robert L. Borden, Prime Minister of Canada. In his message tbe Hon. W. F. Massey says tJba.t New Zealand admires and cororra-tula-tes the Commonwealth on its patriotism, and the, self-sacrifice of its people in assisting the Emnire in undertaking eo splendid a contribution tb the naval-defence. o,f the southern seas. New Zealand .looks forward to an early op. poi-+-unitv of welicoming the fleet.. The.Right, Hon. R. 1.. Borclm savs Australia, can }y& assmr-fyl .that Canada stands'sWnTdfir to sh6uV |a r wftffi Australia and overseas Dmminionß and is firm in .+,h» resolve to safeguard their common heritage.

AUSTRALIA'S PRIDE.

THE.PARTING OF THE WAYS:

Received 12.30 a.m., Oct. 6th. SYDNEY, Oct. 5,

The speakers at the Town Hall banquet included Sir Gerald Strickland, Mr Cook, the Federal Prime Minister, Mr Fisher, leader of the Opposition, the Minister for Defence, Admirals Patey and King Hall. The keynote of the speeches was Australia's pride in the possession of her own fleet", and the importance of its duty as a unit of Empire defence. Lord Denman said that that 'lay they had, reached the parting of the ways, because the Australian station had been handed over by the Imperial authorities to the Commonwealth, and. Australia took up her own* burden in regard to naval matters. Admiral King Hall, whose flag was hauled down and' Admiral Patey's hoisted when the fleet arrived, bade an affectionate farewell: to the people of Australia. A historic and unique period had arrived in the life of the Commonwealth. She would now act as a warden of. the marches, to protect the outposts of the Empire in the The time would come when the statesmen of the Empire must evolve a method by which the Dominions would be brought into closer tiohship in this councils 4f the Mother Country, especially regarding the naval defence 'of the Empire. To-day large sections of the fleet's crews attended 'church parades, marching through the crowded streets. The ships?' were open to the public, and crowds visited them.