DOMINION DAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2196, 27 September 1907, Page 2

DOMINION DAY.

EPOCH-MAKING CEREMONIES. A DAY OF GENERAL REJOICING LOCAL CELEBRATION. There was a vory fair-sized assemblage of citizens at the Victoria bolfry, G 1 ad stone- rail cl, at the hour appointed for reading the proclamation. Tho absence of the Volunteers, owing to the short notice given, detracted from the spectacular side of tho coromony, but tho school cadets formed ail effective guard of honor, and color was lout to. the occasion by tho presence of 'tho City Band, winch played tho National Anthem. His Worship the Mayor was supported by Cre. Mann, Pettie, Somervell, Whinrav, Messrs. W. L. Rees, E. Harvey Gibbon, Kohere, and other gentlemen. The violent duststonm that was proceeding at tho time rendered standing in the main thoroughfare unpleasant, but tho crowd bore the conditions good-naturedly, and greeted tho proclamation and incidental patriotic speeches with onthukl*Sm'THE PROCLAMATION. His AVorship read tho proclamation, which was in tho following terms: “AVlioreas wo have, on the petition of the members of tho Legislative Council and House of Representatives of tho colony of New Zealand, determined that the title of the Dominion of New Zealand shall he substituted for tint of colonv of New Zealand, as the designation of the said colony, wo have, therefore, by and with tho advice of our Privy Council thought fit to issue this our Royal Proclamation, and wo do ordain, declare, and command that on and after the 26th day of September, 1907, the said colony of New Zealand and the territory belonging thereto shall be called and known by the title of tho Dominion of New Zealand, land wo hereby give our commands to all public departments accordingly. Given at our court at Buckingham Palace, this 9th day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and seven, in the seventh year of onr reign. God save the King!” Three cheers were then given with heartiness, on the call of Mr. Rees. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CHANGE.

The Mayor, speaking on tho significance of the coremony, said it might i seem a small matter to some people i to change the name from colony to Dominion, 'but he thought it was a vory wise step forward. The vory title would add stability and power, for it would be known all over the world as the Dominion of New Zealand. The great Dominion of Canada was the first with the title, and Now Zealand was a country worthy of being granted similar distinction, as his Majesty’s proclamation evid- , enced. It had been a very happy > thought of Sir Joseph AVard’s to suggest the change when he was vis- | iting the Motlior Country. The Mayor said he was very pleased indeed to be privileged to read t-hiat proclamation, and he hoped it would assist in promoting all tho benefits they could wish for New Zealand and its dependencies. Ho was per- , fectly convinced that, though it ■ might seem a small thing at first, the distinction of being entitled a Dominion would have far-reaching effects in securing wider recognition for Now Zealand, and that it would in the future do much more towards building up this country than anything else that could hav© been devised. Up to the present New Zealand’s individuality had been somewhat merged in the generic term Australasia, but the title of Dominion would raise its status and independence in tli 0 minds of those abroad, and in more wayß bo more beneficial than could be gauged at the presont time. Further, it would, stimulate the patriotic feeling in the breasts of the citizens and bring themcloser together, if indeed that were necessary. Tlio Premier deserved their thanks for having, despite the press of his official engagements in the Old Country, taken the preliminary steps to bring about the change. In conclusion the speaker called for three cheers for Sir Joseph AVard. A ringing response was given. MEDAL FOR THE CHILDREN. A telegram from tho Premier was also read, announcing that as the day would bo historical in the annals of Now Zealand, and of more than passing interest to the children, a commemomtion medal would be presented to each child attending school throughout the Dominion. (Applause.) Tho Mayor remarked that the idea was a very good one, as the children would be tlios e deriving the benefit in the years to come. OUR FUTURE INDEPENDENCE. Mr. Rees also made an appropriate I speech. It was only a short time I ago, he said, since the people of Gis- I borne had stood on the Kaiti shore I commemorating the landing of Cap- I tain Cook; to-day they wore com-I memoluting the birth of a nation— I for New Zealand was no longer a I colony or dependency—with the right I to stand among the nations of tho I Empire on an equal footing with I them all. (Applause.) He referred I in this connection to the Dominion I of Canada, the Commonwealth of Austmlia, and the soon to be feder- I ated States of South Africa, and the I great American nation, as showing I the potentialities of British colonies. New Zealand, a young, prosperous, I and happy nation, would now stand I shoulder to shoulder with the sister I nations to preach peace, humanity, I and freedom, and, if necessary, to I fight for freedom. (Applause.) They must remember that they were now I! not only colonists but members and I citizens of a great Dominion, which I brought with it responsibilities and I, duties calling for a high spirit of citizenship and all that ennobled the I’ race. It was indeed a red-letter IJ day, that should be an inspiration to 1, all. Little could Captain Cook have I imagined when he landed, about 140 ! rears ago, that there would be a I great and free community established I in this land to-day, with up-to-dute communication by railroads and steamships, a great commerce, and high form of self-government. Whilst I ! they remembered the past and c thought of the present, lot them also | '• to ink of the future, with its wonder-I ‘ ful possibilities at tho hands of an I, enlightened people. Finally, Mr. IL J Rees paid a tribute .to tho Premier, I ' who had done lasting good by assist- I ing to bring into existence, with tlio I * title of Dominion, a young and vig-I " orous nation. (Cheers.) I" 1 S( MAORI VIEWS. a

Air. Kohere, on behalf of the Alaois, stepped forward to express their

interest and sympathy with the change in the designation of New Zealand. They realised, with the pakelia, that it would help to make New Zealand better known and understood. Among tho pakelia community there had been some difference of opinion as to establishing a commemorative holiday, but to his mind the papers had raised a very good argument in its favor, namely, that Dominion Day was of special significance to New Zealand alone, ■ji nd s’hould have preference over some other holiday that was general in its application. He urged that a broader national outlook should oust any spirit of petty parochialism, and went on to remark that New Zealand was but a component part of that larger organisation, tlio Dom- I iniou of the Empire. Air. Kohere I moved the following resolution:—l

“That tho natives of Poverty Bay, and the East Coast in general, send their hearty congratulations to the Government on the occasion of the

promotion of this State from a colony to a Dominion.” Air. Te Kani Pere, in seconding, bore out his compatriot’s remarks, that the natives joined with their pakelia friends in witnessing with pleasure this further step forward in tlio history of New Zealand. The resolution was carried with acclamation.

The National Anthem was played, and oheere concluded tho interesting ceremony,

[ DOINGS IN THE CAPITAL. . STRIKING MILITARY DISPLAY. Special to Times. WELLINGTON, Sept. 26. The gale of yesterday died down in tho night, and tho grey morning which ushered in our first Dominion Day gave place to sunshine and a mild broezo, in which festoons of flags fluttered prettily from all tho public buildings. READING THE PROCLAAIATION. in tho early morning tho city was inanimate, but shortly before 10 o’clock soldiers and civilians began to gather in over-increasing numbers for tho initial ceremony under tho facade of Parliament House. Grouped at tho top of tho entranco steps were the Premier and Lady Ward, tho Speakers of both Houses, tho Leader of tho Opposition, and many other political personages with their dames in pictureskque attire. On tho carriage drive naval officers in full uniform stood in front of a guard of bluejackets from H.M.S. Challenger, while the College cadets and Royal Now Zoaland Artillery wore drawn up on the lawn. Tho soone was picturesquo and striking, the uniforms of the naval and military officers and the bright dresses and sunshades of the ladies making pleasant bits of colors in tlio crowd. His Excellency tho Governor and Lady Plunket were escorted by a detachment of the Heretaunga Mounted Rifles. The other members of the Government House party were Miss Plunket and Aliss Chalmers, of Fiji, Mrs Waterford, Captain the Hon. Gathorne-Hardy, Captain E. L. Lyon and -Mr. H. C. Waterfield. The ceremonial was of tho briefest description. . Sir Joseph Ward read the proclamation, and His Excellency tho Governor read ’ the message from the King, for whom cheers were given. Then there was more cheering for tho Governor, for the Dominion, and for the first Prime Minister of the Dominion. Then the guns on the warship boomed in salute, a band played the National Anthem, and the proceedings were at an end, or at least the official proceedings were; but just as tho crowd w.as dispersing a small group of Maoris composed of members of various tribes now visiting Wellington struck up the famous “Ka mate” chorus, which now seems inseparable from all New Zealand ceremonials. Ka mate 1 Ka mate 1 Ka ora 1 Ka ora I Tenei te tangata puhuruhuru Nana I tiki mai whakewhiti to ra Hupane kaupane whiti te ra.” This unique ending to the function was greatly enjoyed by the crowd, ivho cheered lustily once more. LUNCH AT GOVERNAIENT HOUSE There were so many functions during tho day that it was difficult to keep track of them. Indeed all day men have been dodging in and out of uniforms and different kinds of ordinary dress from the sac suit and bowler of the morning to the frock coat and tall hat of afternoon, and evening dress for the later functions. An aide told me he had been lightningchanging all day long. The next important function was a frock-coat one—a luncheon at Government House to members of both Houses of Parliament, but needless to say in such a democratic country the frock coat was not a sine qua non. The luncheon was a most delightful function, well done, and all the more enjoyable because there were only three toasts and no speeches. As a matter of fact it was a “rapid” luncheon—it had to be. Nevertheless it was a succoss in every way. TROOPING THE COLORS.

I As a spectacle the trooping of the ~ I colors at Newtown Park was the finest "I of the daylight ceremonials. The I tramcars were not numerous enough to convey the crowds of people thitlier. There were straphangers by _ I the hundred. I went out on a car on e I which some sailormen had perched e I themselves on the buffers, and they l 1 sang all the time to the great amusej I ment of the passengers. The latest e I things from London were sandwiched „I hi between frequent choruses of e I “Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the j I waves, Britons never, never, will be e I slaves,” to “The mermaids at the u I bottom of tho deep blue sea.” They _ I were new chums, and they seemed ~ I impressed with the sight of such a r I happy, well-dressed crowd; but they could not get away from London, and in between their singing they shouted, ’Ere yer are for the Bank! ’Ere yer are for the Bank I Piccadilly, s Marble Arch or the Bank 1 A penny l h*; 11 the way 1” They were going like r ail the Wellington world and his wife 1 1? tlio trooping of the colors, and - they became reminiscent. “I’ve seen - I the Old Grenadiers troop ’em more’n 1 j once, 9 said one, and the other agreed - j that they “knew } ow to do the trick.” IX IT * ve d the Park one found a 5 I tremendous crowd gathered on the J I gentle slopes that surround the green I sward of the Park and the sward itself gay with the military. There was j a splendid muster of soldiers and sail- > j ors and volunteers. The trooping of . I the colors had never before been done , Iso well in New Zealand, and it was . indeed a pretty sight, evoking the en- I . thusiasm of every one of tho thou- I * I sail ds who had the good fortune to I I see it. After the brief consecration I ceremony the units entitled to the I I colors came forward to recive them I I from the hands of His Excellency the I I Governor. Then the bands played, I and the colors fluttered gaily,in the | I breeze. Then came the march past | I with the colors to a lively lilt, after- I wards “the slow.” At the end of the I I latter tile colors were dipped to the I I ground while the band continued its I dirge. Next came the march past of I tho navals from tho warship. With I I them a squad trailing their gun came I j along with a swing to the stirring I I strains of “A life on the ocean wave,” I and the crowd now roused to a pitch of great enthusaism cheered loudly They came past once more, and then I at tho double to cheering that had I increased in volume. The Now Zealand Artillery and the local Navals I were the next in order, and they came I I past in fin® style, better even than I I the Challenger’s men, who, of course, I I being mostly at sea, have not so many | I chances of marching practice. The I I Wellington Rifle Battalion under I I their new Colonel then came up, all p the companies marching well, but tho I Highlanders in their magnificent Seaforth uniforms took tho public eye, I a f’ swish of sporran and swing I 1 of lent, they came forward to tlio I 1 music of “The Campbells are Com- I 1 ing. They made a fine sight, and I ! the enthusiasm of the crowd again 1 broke bounds. The school cadets who I followed later evoked equal cheers, I anil formed a most inspiriting spec- \ tnele that must have struck a deep I -oto in tho hearts of all truo citizens J 1 of the new Dominion whoso shores I some day they might have to defend ? A GALA SCENE AT GOVERNAIENT f

: „„ .. HOUSE. I ho reception given by His Excel- ; ency the Governor and Lady Plunket I later in the afternoon was a very I large affair, no less than two thousand I ave hundred invitations being issued. I r ortunately the weather was lino, and I permitted the guests to stroll on the I iawns and among the shrubberies, the I £> a y frocks of the ladies showing to I .advantage in the pretty setting of foliage and flowers. The drawingI room and ball-room were thrown into one and charmingly decorated with I flowers, masses of red rhododendrons I .R*S used in tho former apartment I with charming effect. Refreshments I wore to be got in tho dining-room tlio conservatory, and tho ball-room, I wfler narrow tables were set along tlio I windowed wall, and buffets brilliant I Wltil silver apd flowers were placed I near the doors. Olio mantelpiece was I particularly beulUilid, arranged with heavy pieces of silver plate, a superb salver forming the centre-piece and I delicate palms made a fine harmony I with the white walls and white framed mirror. Primulas in pots, daffodils, rhododendrons, and magnolias were all used in profustion to decor- I ate the tables, and in the corridor I were set great stands of pot plants and tall palms. Their Excellencies received inside tfle drawing-room, where the heap of discarded cards made quit© a pilo at tho feet of tho footman who an- I nounced the guests. Lady Plunket wore the loveliest gown of palest Neapolitan violet, with beautiful lace I

and diamonds. Tlio Hon. Kathleen was in faint pink doth, tlio vandyked upper skirt falling over an underskirt with net frill. The frocks worn wore beautiful, but tho gorgeous uniforms woro even more noticeable. Major Tuson, Cat)lain Nelson, son of Sir Montague Nelson, and a guest of tho Premier’s, Captain Laseelles, and tho smartest naval officers added considerably to tho brilliancy of the gathering, to say nothing of our own military men, whoso uniforms made brilliant splasbeß of color among tlio many black coats. The baby, Ettina Victoria Mahine, held a little court of her own with a most onviablo dignity and composure, and the youngest boy, a charming little chap in white duck, stood beside his mother during some part of the afternoon.

THE EVENING’S ILLUMINATIONS Tho electric light illuminations in connection with tho principal public buildings of the city formed a striking and eifectivo feature of this ovening’s demonstration. The central portion of the front of Parliament House was radiant in a blaze of many hundreds of brilliant lights, the words “Advance N.Z., Colony 1840, Dominion 1907,” standing out in prominent relief in red. Tho tower of Government House was illuminated in manycolored lights, the surmounting designs being a crown and flag. The front of tho Government Buildings attracted considerable attention, the design there being a largo map picked out in electric lights with the location of tho principal towns of the Dominion showing in red. The word “Dominion” was also shown in large red letters. The design was a most successful one, and this, together with tho adjoining illuminations at Parliament House made a dazzling display which called forth tho admiration of thousands of people in the streets during the evening. The General Post Office was also illuminated, tho words “The New Dominion” being spread across tae front of the building. A large number of transparencies added to the effect.

A meeting was held in the Town Hall this evening, and was very largely attended. It was on the whole of a successful character, but a section of the audience indulged in interjections and interruptions during the opening speech delivered by the Mayor of Wellington, who had great difficulty in making himself heard. During the speech three women in the gallery, for some unexplained roason, gave vent to a scream to two, and a portion of the crowd becoming excited started to make a rush for the doors. Those in charge of the meeting, however, by calm and prudent measures quickly succeeded in allaying the excitement and_ in persuading tho people to ‘keep their seats. The remainder of the meting was not marked by any untoward incident.

MESSAGES FROM SISTER STATES

Press Association. WELLINGTON, Sept. 26. Sir Joseph Ward is in receipt of the following cable messages:— Melbourne, Sept. 26.—The Commonwealth heartily congratulates the Dominion of the South on its new and appropriate designation. To your people—whose blood is our blood, whose hopes and aims are also ours— Australia wishes still further advance in your career of progress—social and industrial—which has reflected lustre upon Australia—Alfred Deakin. Pretoria, Sept. 25.—Please accept heartiest congratulations and best wishes upon new era and increased prosperity to New Zealand. lam convinced that the change will cause a strengthening of the bonds of the different oolonies. lam especially pleased with the progress during your government.—Botha, Premier. Pietermaritzburg, Sept. 24.—0 n behalf of the Government and the epople of Natal, I heartily congratulate you, your Government, and your colony on the attainment of its ma iority. May the Dominion long be a prosperous part of our common Empire.—Moore, Prime Minister. St. John, Sept. 24.—1 sincerely wish tho Dominion of New Zealand the fullest measure of prosperity. Bond.

BIRTH OF THE COLONY. PETITION TO THE LATE QUEEN ORIGINAL DISCOVERED IN WELLINGTON. Special to Times. WELLINGTON, Sept. 26. To-day I cam© across a document which at this juncture when New Zealand is on tho eve of changing its designation from “Colony” to “Dominion” is of particular interest. This document is none other than the original petition to Queen Victoria urging that New Zealand should be made a colony. The pray-j er of the petition is: “For tho exclusive British possession of the group of islands commonly called New Zealand, especially as in the case of war the great and increasing colony of Australia would he at the mercy of a foreign power in their neighbourhood.” The petition mentions that the islands were taken possession of I in the year 1769 by Captain Cook, and goes on to state that in 17871 when the British Government determ- I ined to colonise the barborous lands I discovered by Captain Cook a Royal I Commission was granted to Captain I Philip appointing him (in pursuance I of the British sovereignty in pos- I session which Captain Cook had es-| tablished) to be Captain-General and I Governor-in-Chief in and over the I territory of New South Wales and I its dependencies, which territory was I described in the said Commission to I oxtond from Cape York latitude 11 I deg. 37 min. to tho South Cape | latitude 43 deg. 30 min, and inland I to the westward as far as 135 deg. I oast longitude, comprising all the is-.I lands in the Pacific Ocean within I

the latitudes of the abovenamed capes. The petition then sets out that Captain Philip, acting under his Commission, had appointed New Zealand natives and others to act as Justices of the Peace in New Zealand to administer the law of Engi land and send persons to New South Wales for trial. 'lt mentions also that settlement had taken place in the Bay of Islands, and that in consequence of insufficient - authority on the spot disturbances had tiiken place and that in order to put a stop to these evils an attempt was made in 1835 to place New Zealand under a kind of natural government I by means of forming a confederation I of chiefs residing at and near the I Bay of Islands. These cliiofs were I

presented with a flag by an officer of the British Crown who had been appointed to reside there; but this attempt at forming a local government had failed, and law and order "were not enforced in New Zealand. The

petitioners lay stress upon the value of the trade of the Islands and proceed to refer to the setting out of the French expedition from Rochfort to form a settlement in Bank’s

Peninsula, in the South Island, which expedition was reported to have “an armament of forty sailors from the French navy; and aid of money from the French Government. “The leaders of the expedition,” continues the petition, “are said to have been instructed to report Pipon the fitness of Bank’s Peninsula as a place of transportation- for French conviots, and at all events to reserve for the use of the French Government one- j fifth of tho territory which they might acquire in this part of tho British dominions.” The petitioners deprecate in the strongest terms tinproposed establishment of a p\:i:: 1 I colony and suggest that “such a settlement would tend to exterminate the native inhabitants by teaching them only the vices of civilisation.” They also mention that the Consul of the Bay of Islands had no means of repelling foreign aggressions and they point out that any territory that may be ceded by the natives to the British Consul is to be governed from and to form part of the colony of New South Wales. They think this is a very undesirable state of things. The petition, which is about sixteen yards long, has affixed to it a very large number of signatures.

It appears to have been signed in sheets which were distributed in

various parts of Great Britain to begin with. There are some nine or ten yards of London signatures and amongst them there are names notable even at the present day. For instance Baring Brothers and Co. and Montefioro Brothers. Sir Moses Montefiore, a celebrated man, it will be remembered died recently. Tho first signature on the petition is that of Arthur Willis, Sons, and Co. There are also the signatures of several titled people. Following the London signatures come groups of signatures from Halifax, Birmingham, Liverpool, Dover (spelt Dovor), Cornwall, Dcvonport, and Edinburgh. THE WRONG DAY CELEBRATED. (Special to Times).

WELLINGTON, Sept. 26. In the Upper House yesterday tho Hon. Mr. Kelly gave notice of a motion with a view to observing Dominion Day on the anniversary of the colony, and be quoted a report of a joint committee of both Houses dated September 11th., 1894, staling that the colony was constituted by tho reading of a' proclamation by Captain Hobson at Kororareka on January 30th., 1840. xhis committee, however, appears to have made a very serious blunder, for, as a matter of fact, the proclamation referred to was not one constituting the colony, but simply an edict extending the boundaries of New -'outli Wipes to include New Zealand. The Imperial Act proclaiming New Zealand a colony was not passed til; 1846. This Act recites: —“That on the 16th Day of November in tho fourth Vf;.i of Her Majesty’s Reign (1340) Her Majesty did by Letters Patent erect into a separate Colony tne Islands of New Zealand heretofore comprised within the Colony of New South Wales.” These Letters Patent were road by the Governor on the 3rd. of Mav. 1841, and took effect from that date which, according to o.moetent authorities, is the proper dav for the celebration of the anniversary of the colony.

MESSAGE FROM MR. MASSEY. (Special to Times). . , WELLINGTON, Sept. 26. The following message to the people of New Zealand oomes from Mr. Massey, Leader of the Opposition:“We are entering upon a new era—an era fraught with great national possibilities—but if we are to develop Imperially—if our branch of the British stock is to grow and flourish —we must never forget the noblest traditions of the race to which we belong, nor cease to venerate the memory of the pioneers who laid the foundations of the Dominion. Let our endeavors be to build up a liberty-loving State that will for ever hold an honored place in the great company of nations of whicn our Empire is composed. As a people let ns v do our duty alike to Empire and Dominion, and as individuals lot us seek persistently to cultivate those qualities of character without which national greatness is impossible and by means of which the new Dominion may lead in all that makes for the welfare and uplifting of humanity. Keep ye the law, be swift in all obedience ; Clear the land of evil, drive the road and bridge the ford; Make ye sure to each his own, That he may reap where he hath sown: By our place among the peoples Let men know we serve the Lord.”

CELEBRATIONS ELSEWHERE. Press Association. AUCKLAND, Sept. 26. Though Dominion Day was only a partial holiday, and the weather was threatening and the grounds wet owing to the rain last night, there was a very large gahering in -Victoria Park where the Mayor read a proclamation and a salute of 21 guns was fired. There was a magnificent display of cadets and a fair muster of volunteers and colonial and Imperial veterans.. Speeches were made by the Mayor, chairman of the Board of Education, and president of the National Association. The Minister ■of Education arrived at Onehunga late, and had not reached the park ) up to 12 noon. ■ The Hon. Mr. Fowlds reached Victoria Park before the conclusion of the celebrations and delivered a speech. The proceedings on the whole were a great success. At the Dominion Day celebrations the Minister for Education read a letter from Mr. H. Brett, stating to mark his personal appreciation of the raising of the official status of New Zealand in a manner calculated to be a service to the rising generation, •and to encourage rifle shooting among the boys of the public schools, he offered a silver shield for annual competition by public school cadets in Auckland province. He suggested competitions should be between teams of 10 entered by the various schools. The annual winning of the shield would carry with it a medal for each member of the winning team.

CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 26. The weather kept fine for the functions, and after the Mayor had read the proclamation from the balcony of the City Chambers a Royal salute was fired by the InfUntry, when the flag of the Dominion was hoisted: also in Hagley Park the artillery fired a salute from field pieces. The consecration of the King’s colors followed in the afternoon at 3 o’clock by Bishop Julius, and other fitting celebrations took place. A very large number of people spent the holiday at the seaside and elsewhere out of town.

ASHBURTON, Sept. 26. Although the retail traders refused to close their places of business, a fair amount of inetrest was taken in

Dominion Duy. The school cadets mustered 100 strong, though the volunteers only numbered seven, and the school children were also marched to the Borough Council Chambers, where, at 11 o’clock, the Mayor read the proclamation. The Rev. E. Whitehouse delivered a patriotic speech, after wheih _ the flag wus saluted and National Anthem sung. Afterwards some tree-plant-ing was done in the Domain. There were about 250 civilians present at the funotion. ,

OAMARU, Sept. 26,

Perfect weather prevailed for the Dominion Day celebrations, at which there was a record muster of volunteers and cadets and a large attendance of the public. At 11 the Mayor r«id the proclamation from the steps of the new municipal buildings, after which flags were hoisted and honored. Patriotic speeches were given by the Rev. It. G. Porter

and Mr. F. Milner, M.A., ' after which tho volunteers fired a feu de joie. The troopß then marched to tho Takaro Park, where presentations of the King’s colors to the 3rd Infantry Rittahon took place. After consecration and presentation, tho colors were trooped, and the proceedings concluded with a march past. GR/EYMOUTH, Sept. 26. The weather was threatening for Dominion Day. There was a large assemblage of citizens, volunteers, cadets, and two bands at 11 a.xn., I when the Mayor read tho proclamation and speeches were mado appropriate to the occasion. A children’s

fete is to be held this afternoon and a free concert to-night-. HOKITIKA, Sept. 26. Despite tho wet and boisterous weather, there was a large attendnnee present for Dominion Day celebra:;ons. The Mayor read the proclamation. Volunteers and cadets saluted the flag. Capital speeches were made by the local clergy. Tihe playing of “Auld Lang Syne” and the National Anthem concluded the proceedings, which were marked by enthusiasm. Heavy rain is now being experienced, being welcomed as a great benefit to the district.

HASTINGS, Sept. 26. Dominion Day was fittingly observed here. There was a military and civil procession to the - racecourse, where the proclamation was read by the Mayor, and speeches were made by the Hon. Carroll, Sir IV. Russell the clergy, and others from tho grandstand, which was crowded, as

also was the lawn. The Hon. Oarrol alluded to the happy conditions existing in the early days, when great Native chiefs’ and illustrious pakehas worked together harmoniously to build the foundations of the colony, their labors leading up to the great epoch-making event the people we: •> celebrating that day. He paid i tribute to tho Motherland, whose colonising gonuiis had blended together tho peoples of many races. He touched upon the work of tho early pioneers and great, statesmen of this country, who had indeed left their footprints on the sands of time. Sir W. Russell briefly ontlined the history of the colony from the time it waa a set of unknown islands of the South Pacific until to-day, when, with its largo and growing population, its name was changed from colony to Dominion, assuming the responsibilities of a young nation having to play an im-' portant part in the history of the nations of tho world. NAPIER. Sept. 26. The weather is glorious for _ the inauguration of the new Dominion, and the historical event was celebrated with due impressiveness, a full public holiday being observed. Ait the appointed hour, an immense crowd of soldiers and citizens assembled in tho vicinity of the Marine Parade rotunda., where the birth of the Dominion was proclaimed". Patriotic speeches were delivered by the Mayor, Judge Button, the Bishop of Waiapu, and oilers. WANGANUI Slept. 26. Local celebrations of Dominion Day were entirely spoiled by a heavy downpour of rain. There was a fair muster of volunteers and the public in Cook’s Gardens.

FEILDING, Sept. 26. The Dominion Day proclamation was rend by the Mayor in the presence of about a dozen people. Cheers were given for the Dominion. The National Anthem wa6 sung. STRATFORD. Sept. 26. . To-day is being observed as a holiday. With tho exception of a parade of school cadets and the unfurling of the ensign, there wus no demonstration. The Mayor read the proclamation to a very small audience. BLENHEIM, Sept. 26. Tho Dominion celebrations passed off successfully in fine weather. No business holiday was observed. HAWERA, Sept. 26.

Some enthusiasm was displayed in connection with the Dominion Day celebrations. The cadets, volunteer officers, band, and townspeople assembled at the Council Chambers, where the Mayor read the proclamation. Subsequently the flag was saluted by the school children, and patriotic speeches were made. THAMES, Sept. 26. There was a good attendance of the public at the Dominion Day celebrations, held at Victoria Reserve. There was a poor attendance of volunteers, but o splendid turn-out of the cadet battalion. Considerable enthusiasm was shown. The Mayor read the proclamation, also the Prime Minister’s telegram, amidst cheers. The presentation of colors to the Hauraki Battalion, and the consecration and trooping of the same then took place. The flag is one of six presented to Auckland battalions and regiments represented in the South African war. The Battalion and Hauraki bands were present. The Mayor (Mr. Burns) presided at the civil function, and Colonel Porritt commanded the Volunteers. The National Anthem and hearty cheers concluded an interesting function.

DUNEDIN, Sept. 26. The weather is fine. A dose holiday is being observed. Bunting is lavshly displayed. -The volunteers turned out in force. Ait 11 o’dock the proclamation was read by the Mayor at the Town Hall, followed by the hoisting of the Dominion flag at :he Triangle. Speeches were delivered by the Mayor, the Hon. Millar, and Mr. Hoskins, K.C. Then came the formal opening of the public art gallery and more addresses, tihe trooping of the King’s colors, and a volunteer display takes place in Forbury Park this afternoon. WESTPORT, Sept. 26. ; - Dominion Day was celebrated in acordance with the official programme. f .t was a fine holiday, and there was i great gathering.

NELSON, Sept. 26. Dominion Day was observed as a ■lose holiday in Nelson, and in the norning the volunteer battalion parided in the Botanical Reserve, where he proclamation was read by the Jay or and the Dominion ensign was aluted, A Royal salute of twenty ■;uns was fired by the artillery. In he afternoon the King’s Colors were ■onsecrated and presented to the nounted and infantry battalions. The proceedings were marred by rain.