THE AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4819, 5 January 1901, Page 3

THE AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH.

Tuesday, the first day of the Twentieth Century, was unique in the annals of Australia, insofar as on that day the birth of a new nation was solemnised in Sydney. Amidst perfect weather an immense gathering of visitors witnessed the inauguration ceremonies of the Australian Commonwealth.

' Ai 10.30 a.m. a procession of represenlatives of all the famous regiments of the British Army in all parts of the world in I heir resplendent uniforms, followed by carriages containing all the celebrities of Australasian political find civic life, commenced the march to Centennial Park from the Domain. The route traversed by the procession was about fiva miles, and it was witnessed'at all points by immense crowds of enthusiastic onlookers. A large number of beautiful triumphal arches emblematical of the various nations bad been erected throughout the route and were much admired, while flags of every description were displayed from all possible points. Twenty-one military bands were stationed at various points along the route.

Arrived at the Centennial Park (which is capable of holding several millions of people) where a beautiful whitu pavilion had been erected, a royal salute was fired. As Lord Hopetoun, .the Governor-gpneral, took his place in the pavilion the hymn " Oh God, our help in ages past " was sung. Archbishop Smith followed with prayers for the Commonwealth and Governorgeneral. Mr E. G. Blackmore (Clerk of the , South Australian Parliament) "hen read the Queen's proclamation and the Governor-general's commission, and amidst great cheering His Excellency took the oath of office after which the choir sang Jackson Te Deum.

Shortly after the ceremony was concluded a violent thunderstorm, lasting an hour,' came on but the evening turned out fine.

At night the city presented a wonderful spectacle, the illuminations being on tbe largest and most magnificent scale ever attempted in the Southern Hemisphere, electricity being She principal illuminant. The State banquet at night was a brilliant function. Lord Hopetoun, being tired out by the day's work, regretted being unable tot be present. The Hon. Mr Seddon mado an able speech in reply to the toast, " The visitors."

Tho inauguration of the Commonwealth was also celebrated in all the other Australian capitals and towns. It is estimated three quarters of a million people viewed the procession and 300,000 witnessed the swearing-in. About 10,300 troops were on parade. Splendid order was maintained by the New South Wales Volunteers along the line of march, and oniy one or two accidents occurred during the day.

Messages from the Queen and Secretary of State for the Colonies and other notable persons were received and read.

The Australian flag was hoisted on the Mansion House, London, at 2 p.m. on Monday, indicating that the century had begun and the Commonwealth inaugurated.

The Imperial troops leave Fremantle on February 14th and reach Southampton on March 17th.