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Thames Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9832, 3 January 1901, Page 4

?Per Press Association —Copyright.) SYDNEY, January 1. The people entered into the spirit of yesterday's event with a splendid, appreciation of the character of the day and tho significance of the ceremony. All the predictions of heated men and angry women fighting for positions, crushing into seats to the inconvenience and danger or others, of school children massacred by urging, violent and uncontrollable mobs were hopelessly falsified. It would be difficult to say where the most cordial reception was given. It was bubbling with fervor all the time. The Indian troops, Mounted Guards Brigade and Highlanders were apparently favorites, though muchj cheering encountered the firejnen and, naval brigade.arid naval artillery volunteers, j Mr. Reid's reception was marvellous, and where he was concerned there was ai triumphal progress, but the welcome to the Governor General surpassed all, and was" uproarious. Hats and handkerchiefs were waving in the air, which was filled with cheers. Tha popularity which the New Zealandera gained during their stay in Sydney made them special objects of attention, whilst the Southland pipers, who came with the men recently arrived raised enthusiasm to a high pitch. Approximately ten thousand three hundred troops were present, and it is estimated that about three hundred thousand people witnessed the swearing in, and that nearly three-quarters of a million viewed the procession. A thousand guests were present at the

banquet. Mr. Seddon told the Telegraph representative that as one whose lot it had been to witness many celebrations, the display supassed them all in numbers and in decorations fully equalled them.' The enthusiasm, of course, could not be expected to surpass the Jubilee celebrations which he witnessed in London, but certainly comes next. What impressed him most in going through the streets was the general good feeling exhibited towards New Zealand and New Zealandersi who had no* the slightest impression of the depth of the good feeling there was among Australians for the people of the colony. As ho went along he heard "here comes New Zealand," "Good old Dick,* "Tena koe and Kiaora." . j THE COLONIAL FORCES. | Colonel Wyndham, speaking at the banquet, said he brought a message for Australian soldiers They were much respected, for they were brothers in ' arms, suffering death, and had won their' right to fight side by side with those of the Mother land. It was hoped in England that Australian representatives would be sent) Home to obtain the latest ideas concerning drill, tactics, staff duties; and that v>T- the soldiers of the Empire so consolidated, the nation would be able to checkmate any Power which crossed her path when engaged in a righteous, cause. That was the message he had come half across the world to deliver. In conclusion, he said: "The army salutes the Commonwealth, and wishes you all prosperity and happiness. CONGRATULATIONS.

The Governor General received congratulatory messages from Tasmania, Mr. Ward (New Zealand Government) and a colonist of Natal. Lieutenant General Gaselee cabled good wishes from the - China field force to Australia, which had so opportunely assisted with a valuable contingent; from Sir Henry Berkeley, Chief Justice of Fiji; from Australians at Saisbury, Rhodesia; from the Norwegian Premier, from the administrator of the Netherlands, Idiaa, Australian society at New York, and a wire "Felicitate you and the nation to-day" ' from the American Consul-General at Melbourne. IN OTHER CAPITALS. The Commonwealth was celebrated in other capitals and all the country towns. In Melbourne a salute of a hundred and one guns was fired. The city was decorated with ,flags, but there were no public functions. The weather was fine till th« afternoon, when it rained. j In Hooart the chief ceremony was th» swearing in of Mr. Justice Dodd as administrator. At Brisbane Lord Lamington was sworn in as State Governor. The proceedings at the reading of the proclamation of the Commonwealth was marked with much enthusiasm. The presence of the large j gathering was a procession including tho military forces and members of friendly societies, which marched to the Exhibition ground, where sports wero held. En route five hundred children sang tho Australian patriotic song, and presented Lady Lamington with bouquets. Tha returned soldiers had a great ovation during the march. In Adelaide, amongst v nunibei of events, tho chief was the swearing in, of Lord Tennyson as State Governor. There, was a fine display of bunting. '