land next spoke, and gave a brief history of the movement for the establishment of the Trades and Industrial Hall. He wished the various societies every success, and hoped the day was not far off when they would be able to assemble in their own building. (Applause.) Sir Henry Parkes also addressed those present. The proceedings terminated with cheers for the Queen.

The crowd at the park in the morning was not a very large one; but people kept arriving up till 4 o'clock, at which time there must have been 6000 persons on the ground. A considerable number of those present passed a portion of their time in dancing in the Exhibition Building, where good music was provided. Various amusements had been arranged for the holiday-makers, and a good programme of sports had been drawn up, the more prominent items being an All-comers Handicap, 150 yards, for a first prize of £20; and other awards, the Centennial Industrial Demonstration Handicap (150 yards), for a cup value 15 guineas, the inevitable tug-of-war, and other events. A large number of people devoted their attention to the sports, which, on the whole, were very good, some of the competitions being keen, while others adjourned to different parts of the park, and enjoyed themselves in their own peculiar fashion. Just outside the Exhibition Building a phrenologist caused much merriment by "reading the heads " of those who possessed courage enough to mount upon the box which constituted his stand, and undergo the operation of having their "bumps " felt by the gentleman in the frock coat and the greasy hat, who held forth to the multitude. A little further on Punch and Judy proved exceedingly attractive to a throng of merry juveniles, while many of those who had evidently seen "more than seven summers laughed most immoderately at the antics and contortions of the figures. The swinging boats were well patronised, and the various booths and stands appeared to be doing good business, ice creams being in great demand. The Art Union, in which there were 86 good prizes (the first being a grand piano), was drawn during the evening. Earlier in the day the children received a Centennial Commemorative Medal, and also their share in the toy bazaar. A force of 25 policemen, under the command of Inspector Lawless, did duty on the ground, but their services were not required, as the large congregation of people were most orderly and well-behaved. Mr. Arthur G. Smart, the sports secretary, deserves a word of praise for the very efficient way in which he discharged the arduous duties of his office. The other officials also worked well.

The following are the details of the sports:Youths' Race Handicap, 100 yards-1st prize, cup value 3 guineas, presented by Evan Jones; 2nd, £1 5s.; 3rd, 158. G. Swan (5 yards) 1; F. Brown (scratch) 2; G. Cole (scratch) 3. Sixteen competed in this race.

Three-legged Race (all-comers), 100 yards-1st prize, £2; 2nd, £1; 3rd, 10s.-Davis and Wallington, 1; Walsh and Adams, 2; Russell and Smith, 3.

Running High Jump (all-comers)-1st prize, £4; 2nd, £2; 3rd, £1.-Smith (aboriginal) 5ft. 3in., 1; Gagen, 5ft. lin., 2; Stevens, 3.

All-comer's Handicap, 150 yards.-1st prize, £20; 2nd, £7; 3rd, £3. C. Horder, 1; W. Neilson, 2; J. Pearson, 3. There were 17 entries for the event.

Centennial Industrial Demonstration Handicap, 150 yards, for members of societies represented on Demonstration Committee who have been financial on their societies' books three months prior to procession.-1st prize, cup. value 15 guineas; 2nd, five guineas: 3rd, £2 108. Hutton, 1; C. Lester, 2; P. G. Pike, 3. The final in this handicap was very good. Seven entries.

S.

Sack Race (all-comers), 75 yards. -1st prize, £3; 2nd, £1 58; 3rd, 158. A. Brennan, 1; J. Brennan, 2; Hegarty, 3.

Tug of War, open to all societies represented on Demonstration Committee; one team (10 meu only) from each society. 1st prize, £8; 2nd, £4. Seamen's Union, 1: Gas Stokers, 2. Teams from the Wharf Labourers' Union, the Coal Lumpers' Union, and the Shipwrights' Union also competed.

Fancy Costume Race, all comers, 100 yards.-1st prize, £3; 2nd, £2. R. Stevens, 1; T. Smith, 2; D. Flude, 3.

Dog-Jumping Contest.-1st prize, £2; 2nd, £1; 3rd, 10s. Searl's Louise, 5ft. 11in., 1; Paterson's Beach, 2; Dolan's Diamond, 3.

Quoit Match Handicap, all comers.-1st prize, £2; 2nd, £1. Benfield, 1; M. Cooney, 2.

Dancing was kept up in the Exhibition Building until a late hour.

GARDEN PARTY AT BISHOPSCOURT.

A very pleasant social gathering was held on Saturday afternoon at Bishopscourt, the grounds of which are exceedingly suitable for garden parties. In the garden near the entrance to the Primate's residence a large marquee had been erected, and close by was the Vernon Band, which, under its new master, played an excellent selection of music. Dr. Barry received his guests, and they were next conducted to the marquee, where refreshments had been laid out. Some of the visitors strolled about the beautiful gardens, while others gathered in groups and discussed various social topics. The guests of the Primate numbered between 300 and 400. Amongst them were -Lord Carrington, Sir Henry Loch, Sir William Jervois, Sir William Robinson, and Sir F. Napier Broome (Governors of New South Wales, Victoria, New Zealand, South Australia, and Western Australia), Admiral Fairfax, the Premier (Sir Henry Parkes), Sir Samuel Griffith (Premier of Queensland), Sir Edward Strickland, Sir Patrick Jennings, Sir E. 1. Smith (Mayor of Adelaide), Sir William Manning, Chief Justice Higinbotham (of Victoria), Chief Justice Way (of South Australia), Mr. Justice Windeyer, Mr. Justice Deffill, Judge Backhouse, Judge Docker, the Hon. J. H. Young (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly), Major-General Richardson, Brigadier-General Owen, Major H. Lee (2nd Life Guards), the Hon. J. C. Bray, (South Australia), the Bishops of Bathurst, Brisbane, Ballarat. and Riverina, Dr. Steel, Dr. Cameron, Dr. Kinross, Dr. Jefferis, Dr. Kelynack, Dr. Sellors, Dr. Z. Barry, Dr. Corlette, the Rev. C. Bright, the Rev. J. H. Fletcher, the Hon. William Clarke, the Hon. James Inglis, the Hons. E. Vickery, G. A. Lloyd, W. H. Pigott, J. B. Rundle, G. H. Cox, E. Knox, Ms.L.C., Messrs. M'Millan, A. J. Riley, R. Burdett Smith, R. B. Wilkinson, W. J. Foster, Dr. Wilkinson, Ms.L.A., Mr. W. Curnow, Professor Anderson Stuart, Mr. S. Cook, Captain Hammill, Lieutenant Erskine, Colonel Airey, Major Gascoigne, Major Mackenzie, Mr. E. Deas-Thomson, Mr. H. C. Russell (Government Astronomer), Mr. Addison, S.M., Mr. W. R. Beaver, Mr. R. L. Tooth, Archdeacon King, Canon King, Canon Moreton, Minor Canons Rich and Beck, Archdeacon Hales (of Launceston), the Revs. H. J. Rose, J. D. Langley, A. R. Bartlett, James Hill, H. L. Jackson, D. Murphy, W. Hough, A. W. Pain, A. C. Corlette, and J. Barnier.

ENGINEERING ASSOCIATION'S CEN

TENARY EXCURSIONS.

The second of the series of excursions organised by the Engineering Association of New South Wales took place on Saturday last, when about 30 members of the association, and about an equal number of visitors, left Redfern station by the 9.20 a.m. ordinary train on a visit to Messrs. Hudson Brothers' works, at Clyde. On arrival of the train at Clyde platform the party were met by Messrs. H. and R. Hudson, J. C. Alexander, and J. Hutchison, and were afterwards conducted over the large engineering establishment. The malleable iron and steel foundry was first visited, where castings were being produced whose tensile strain was equal to wrought iron. The gray iron and the brass foundries, together with the smiths' shop, were also inspected, and special interest was manifested in the drop-hammers for forgings. The large Corliss engine, which

steam

drives the shafting in the waggon-making shops and the saw-mill, was the subject of considerable attention. Lunch was laid in the office, and at the conclusion of the feast the president of the association (Mr. Cruickshank), on behalf of the visitors, thanked Messrs. Hudson Brothers for the kindness that had been extended them. Mr. Henry Hudson briefly replied on behalf of the firm. All the visitors expressed themselves highly pleased with everything that they saw and heard at the works, and later on they left by train to pay a visit to the Government engineering workshops at Eveleigh. Arriving there about 2 p.m., they were met by Messrs. W. Scott, R. Scott, and J. Cobb, of the Railway Department, and by them escorted over the entire shops. The various kinds of work that were being done were generally admired, and special interest was taken in, and admiration expressed, at the completeness and magnitude of the gigantic establishment, which is fitted up with all manner of laboursaving machines of the most improved patterns and workmanship. The various mechanical contrivances for boring, riveting, cutting, and punching, worked by hydraulic power, attracted a deal of attention, and during their workings were closely observed. The fitting and erecting sheds were also inspected, and the class of work that is being executed there was closely examined, and favourably commented upon. The repleteness of the establishment was a topic that the visitors greatly indulged in, and they all expressed themselves as very gratified and entertained by what they had witnessed. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. W. Scott for his kindness in explaining to those present the various works in connection with the establishment. The party returned to town shortly after 4 o'clock, after having thoroughly enjoyed the day's outing. The association will visit the Mortlake Gas Works and Messrs. Lysaght's Wire Works to-day, and to-morrow they proceed by early train to view the Eskbank Iron Works and Lithgow Pottery

Works.

THE BAND CONTEST.

all

On Saturday the band contest was continued at the Carrington Grounds, lasting from about 11.30 in the morning until nearly 11 o'clock at night, soon after which the awards were made known. The attendance of the public was but small; and, though the weather was un pleasant in the evening, having every indication, too, of being worse than it was, still the rain would hardly account for the almost deserted appearance of the grounds.

It is not easy to understand why the public has shown so little interest in this affair, for hundreds and sometimes thousands flock to the Gardens and squares on ordinary afternoons where bands perform gratis. Here, for

a merely nominal sum, a most attractive entertainment was provided. Some of the very best bands in Australia and Tasmania have come to Sydney, each having come to perform its very best selections in its best possible style. It must certainly be extremely disappointing to the visiting bands and to the promoters to see such manifestations of general lack of interest in the gathering; and we certainly share the feeling of disappointment, as the fact cannot fail to give a bad impression regarding musical appreciation in Sydney. The only explanation of the fact that occurs to us is that possibly the public mistook the nature of the occasion, and perhaps forgot that the competition itself (as a technical test of skill) concerned none but the performers and the judges, while the musical effect would be all the better and all the more enjoyable in consequence. Perchance there will be a better gathering this evening at the Protestant Hall, where a grand concert is advertised to take place, and when Lady Carrington will present the prizes to the several winners.

The Cumberland (Parramatta) Band played on Saturday the selection which had to be omitted on Friday, because the performers were then absent, having a prior engagement for that day. Thus they played last, although drawn

for the first in order. Their chosen piece was "Ernani," the same which had been previously so magnificently performed by the band of the 4th (Newcastle) Regiment, and the coincidence could hardly do otherwise than tell against them, because, though by no means bad, it was less good than that referred to. The performance of this completed "Test A," which was concerned only with the contest "selections."

"Test D" was that which was taken second in order. comprising the performance of "Quicksteps on the March." In this most of the bands not only played well, but had a thoroughly military style and appearance. There can be very little to speak of musically in this department, as ordinary quicksteps are not remarkable for musical qualities at the best of times, and when a dozen of them are presented successively, each one being played twice through, such a feast is more than enough to blunt the sensibility of the most enthusiastic. There were some which were better than others, it is true, and some which were better played than were others, as the awards will show, but individual mention is quite unnecessary, beyond the remark that both as regards the composition and the performance the best was that which was given by the 4th Regiment, and aptly named (as it happens) "Chef d'Euvre." The composer of this is Mr. Bulch, of Ballarat, whose "Model Band" is one of the competitors. The following is the order in which the bands played, the names of their marches being added:-1, S. A. Militia, "Sophie;" 2, 4th Regiment, "Chef d'Euvre;" 3, Cumberland, True till Death;" 4, Bulch's, "The Typhoon ;" 5, Naval Brigade, "Vandalia;" 6, Hobart Garrison, "Distant Greeting" 7, Northcott's, "The Challenge;" 8, Launceston City, The Allies;" 9, Eastern Suburban, "Preciosa;" 10, Albury, "Australasia ;" 11, Mudgee, "No Surrender;" 12, St. Joseph's, Always Ready." The tempo was generally fairly good, ranging from about 116 to 126 per minute, so that even the extremes did not vary much from 120 (the standard), while the majority were as close as about 122.

The evening was taken up by the contest dance selections -test B-when there was some excellent playing. Some of the pieces were really good music, and most were attractive in style and inspiriting as regards effect. The following was the order observed:-1, Hobart Garrison, “Krolls Ball Klange; 2, Eastern Suburban, "Lie Hydropaten:" 3, Fourth Regiment, The Don" (quadrilles); 4, Albury, Tit Bits" (quadrilles); 5, Launceston, "Baden Baden;" 6, S. A. Militia, "Stella Mia;" 7, Naval Brigade, "Caro Fior;" 8, St. Joseph's, "Amorettanza;" 9, Cumberland, "Youth and Beauty" 10, Northcott's, Fortissimo " (quadrilles); 11, Bulch's, "Hommage aux Dames;" 12, Mudgee, "Boccaccio." All the selections were waltzes, except the three which are otherwise marked.

At half-past 10 the contest was thus far finished. Some doubt yet remained whether or no the "sight-reading test was to be taken, and a meeting of bandmasters and the promoters was held to decide the matter. This being settled in the negative, the judges handed in their papers, and the marks were added up and the points allotted to the several bands. Excepting for the marching test, the judges had been all the time in a screened room, so they knew the bands only by number. Each of the judges made a separate award, allowing a maximum of 10 marks each for execution, time and style, tune, balance, precision, light and shade, and standard of music with special reference to its difficulty. This was the order pursued in regard to the grand selections, which were naturally the chief things to be judged. The lists were subseqently added together, by which means any advantage which any band might gain from slight difference of opinion, if it existed, was duly recorded. Thus the maximumn for each department was really 30, making 210 in all. The marches were less important as tests, and were judged in conclave, with 10 points as maximum. In the dance selections the three most prominent heads of judgment were taken, each with a maximum of 10 marks: 90 being thus the total maximum obtained by the addition of the three award lists. The highest number of points possible of attainment was therefore 310. It was nearly 11.30 o'clock on Saturday night

The prize

7

12

...

6 9 2144

...

6

9 61133

6,58 197

461

8

...

02

ADBA

D B

3 2 3 182 10,82 274 1st

11 10 4 11 167 861 236 2nd

9 11 8 5160

for the drum-and-fife bands was awarded to the Naval Volunteers, the unsuccessful competitors being (in order) the Botany Band and the Young Workmen's, these three being all that came forward, though there were five entries.

In the solo competitions Mr. Allison, of the Eastern Suburban Band, gained the highest award, honourable mention being made of Mr. Munro (Hobart Garrison), who was a close second. The cornet playing was only good in the case of Mr. Grant (Eastern Suburban), who, therefore, was awarded the prize. In the euphonium and trombone class there was only one competitor for the latter instrument; and Mr. Ferguson was awarded the prize for euphonium, his tone being far better than that of the others.

Perfect confidence appeared to be generally felt that the judges' awards would be made strictly upon the merits of the performances, and the ability of Messrs. Zelman, Caron, and Gildea was naturally beyond question. Of course, there was disappointment in certain cases when the result was made known, but the award was received in good part. The successful bands were heartily cheered by those who were present; and a vociferous cheer was raised for the adjudicators. The contest throughout was very keen; and perhaps this fact may have influenced the result to some extent, as bands composed of or containing "old hands" are less liable to nervousness than those made up of performers to whom a contest is a new and formidable ordeal. But even though certain bands may have a reasonable feeling of being able to do better at other times, the award may be accepted as a faithful record of the relative merits of the performances during the competition. append a short résumé of the chief remarks contained in the report, so far as they refer to the "selections; " having added thereto, for convenience of our readers, the names of the bands to which the numbers in the report refer, and the total marks gained in each case.

JUDGES' REPORT.

We

At this contest, where 12 military bands and three fifeand drum bands have passed in review before us, we have made careful and true judgment to the best of our ability, making our award in all cases by marks and judging by points, without regard to the personnel of the performers, who were indeed entirely unknown to us in all the more important parts, and only seen by us where individuality was quite immaterial, as in the march tests. One band

has certainly stood out prominently from the rest, and to that we have duly awarded the first prize. We have also had no doubt in the awarding of second, third, and fourth prizes; but, at the same time, we desire to make special mention of two other bands, which followed, as fifth and sixth, very closely. And, above all, we wish to express our very high sense of appreciation of the general excellence shown by the bands which have come before us from all parts of Australia, for the performances all round have been thoroughly creditable.

No. 3 (the Albury Town Band) gained 112 points for the with a total of 168. selection, Balfe's "Il Talismano,' The instruments were somewhat out of tune, especially the clarionets. The euphonium soloist was weak and timid. The best feature of the selection was the cornet solo, which was well played, and deserves better support. No. 4 (St. Joseph's) gained 111 points for the selection, with a total of 172 points, choosing Maritana" as its piece. The cornet deserves special mention for his good quality of tone and generally good expression. The drum being too loud destroyed, to a certain extent, the balance of tone. The tempi were in most cases misunderstood. We must give honourable mention to the euphonium player for his excellent tone. No. 5 (the Fourth Regiment) gained 182 points for their selection ("Ernani"), having a total of 274, thus gaining the first prize. The good qualities were so numerous that we cannot but acknowledge that the band was almost perfect. The precision of attack, the tune, the light and shade, the balance of tone, and the execution were one and all excellent. It is still more creditable as No. 5 is entirely a brass band. All concerned deserve great praise and we have much pleasure in giving, in this case, what is due to the leader, namely, our most sincere congratulations. No. 6 (Northcott's Sandhurst Band) played "Rigoletto," gaining 111 points, with a total of 175 points. Nothing here deserves special mention except the trombone player, who really deserves recognition for his accuracy of tune and style. The selection would have been improved if correct tempo and tradition had been observed. No. 7 (the Mudgee Band) chose "The Gospel Trumpet," gaining 54 points, with a total of 74. No. 9 (the Eastern Suburban Band) gained 144 points, with a total of 219, and therefore takes the fourth prize. The selection, "Der Freischutz," was indeed very good all round. although, unfortunately, many effects were lost through a want of attention to the traditional tempi. No. 10 (the South Australian Militia) gained 132 points for the selec tion, with a total of 187. "La Forza del Destino' was a good selection, with much good playing in it, but the instruments were not well in tune, nor was the time always good. No. 8 (the Sydney Naval Brigade) played a selection from Wagner's Rienzi," gaining 116 marks for it, with a total of 151. This was the most difficult piece to play and to grasp; but while we give credit for attempting a piece of so much merit as a composition, we regret that the band seems not to grasp the true character of the music. We must accord honourable mention for the baritone solo, which was played with good quality of tone and good expression. No. 11 (Hobart Garrison) gained 133 marks for "Lucrezia Borgia," having 197 as total. In this case the selection was, on the whole, fairly played; and the clarionet deserves high praise for his neatness of execution, and the share he had in the general rendition of the selection. Unfortunately, certain instruments lost their place, and were one bar ahead in "Come e Bello." The balance of tone was unequal, but the horn was excellent and deserves recognition. No. 12 (Bulch's Model Band) takes the second prize with 167 marks for "Gems of Weber," gaining a total of 236. The opening movement was a trifle slow, and so was also the well-known "Mermaid's " theme. Cornet and saxhorn were good, the former especially so; while the horn also deserves praise, as well as the euphonium. No. 2 (Launceston City Band) gains the third prize with 234 marks, of which 160 were for "William Tell." The opening movement was not in true time, and wanted expression and colouring. The piccolo deserves very prominent mention, although the movement was hurried. The allegro movement was played with great spirit. No. 1 (Cumberland) played "Ernani," gaining 116 points for it, having total of 166. The performance was not on the whole happy, the time not being perfect, while light and shade were indifferent. The cornet was excellent, and euphonium was good, only that it was colourless.

a

UNITED SERVICE IN THE EXHIBITION

BUILDING.

There have been few, if any, larger congregations at a religious service in this colony than that which met yesterday at the old Exhibition Building, to celebrate the Centenary of Australia with the united voice of the Protestant Churches. The assemblage of ordinary attendants, accommodated on the floor of the building, was probably about 8000, and several thousands unable to obtain room were distributed outside the building. This great congregation represented every branch of the clergy and laity of the Protestant Denominations of the Church of England, the Presbyterians, and Wesleyans.

The occasion was used as a military church parade, and about 700 members of the defence forces attended. The troops assembled in the Outer Domain at about 2 o'clock, and formed up by regiments, after which they were formed in column, and then marched off in fours, led by the Permanent Artillery Band. A noticeable novelty was that some officers paraded mounted. The actual strength on parade was 691, made up as follows:-Permanent Artillery, 161, under Lieutenant-Colonel Airey; Volunteer Artillery and Reserves, 169, under Captain Chapman; Engineers, 29, under Lieutenant-Colonel Rowe; Torpedo Corps, 42, under Lieutenant Broughton; 1st Regiment Infantry, 98, under Lieutenant-Colonel Farrell 2nd Regiment Infantry, 79, under Lieutenant-Colonel Goodlet Reserve Infantry, 107, under Lieutenant-Colonel Eden. The parade was under the command of Colonel Goodlet. Captain Cuthell did duty as adjutant, assisted by Captain Bayly. The column marched in the following order :-Permanent Artillery, Volunteer and Reserve Artillery, Torpedo Corps, Engineers, First Regiment Infantry, Second Regiment Infantry, Fifth Regiment Infantry (Scottish Rifles), Sixth Regiment Infantry (Suburban). A party of Roman Catholics from the Permanent Artillery followed the march along Macquarie-street to St. Mary's Cathedral. Roman Catholics belonging to the other regiments remained in their ranks and attended the united service at the Exhibition Building. The route of march was along Macquarie-street to King-street, thence into George-street and on to Devonshire-street, and thence to the place of worship in Prince Alfred Park. The bands of the Permanent Artillery and the 2nd Regiment played some very good marches, and the column marched in excellent form. On arriving at the building the troops were marched upstairs into the gallery which was set apart exclusively for their use. The officer commanding the military forces, Major-General Richardson, C.B., was among the congregation, together with Colonel Roberts, C.M.G., commanding the artillery forces; LieutenantColonel Baynes, the paymaster; and Major Mackenzie, the assistant adjutant-general.

The

The following is the parade state, giving the denominations:

C. of E. R. C. Pres. Weslyn. Total.

of the floor space was occupied by holders of tickets for this reserved area, among these being a large proportion of ladies; and outside of this space, the building was crowded by thousand of the general public. A portion of the groundfloor space in front of platform was reserved and seated for the vice-regal party.

His Excellency and the party from Government House arrived about 3 o'clock, and as they entered the choirs sang the National Anthem. The vice-regal group consisted of Lord Carrington, Lady Carrington, Lord Carnarvon, Lady Carnarvon, Sir Henry Loch, Governor of Victoria; Sir William Jervois, Governor of New Zealand; Sir Robert Hamilton, Governor of Tasmania; Sir Charles Mitchell. ex-Governor of Fiji; Major Phillimore, Major Gascoigne, and Mr. Wallington.

The Primate, Dr. Barry presided. Beside him on the platform were--the Ven. Archdeacon King, the Rev. Dr. Steel, the Rev. Dr. Jefferis, the Rev. Dr. Kelynack, and the Rev. Dr. Cameron.

The order of service, giving the words of the prayers and hymns and the programme of the choral work, were printed and distributed among the congregation.

The service was commenced by singing the 100th Psalm to the tune "Old Hundredth," after which the Ven. Archdeacon King read the prayer of thanksgiving printed in the order of service.

of

It

The PRIMATE then read the 67th Psalm, after which he delivered a brief address. He said he desired to leave it to others to touch upon the directly centennial subjects. and to glance (as had been arranged) successively at the growth of the past, the conditions of the present, and the hopes of the future. He simply wished to put into a few plain words what he believed was impressed by their assembling together that day upon the hearts of all of them. Their service was pre-eminently a spontaneous service, the free outburst of prayer and thanksgiving. grew out of the deep and instinctive feeling that our celebration must not pass without some common offering of ourselves and of our country to God. It grew up without one moment's doubt or hesitation, freely, into the simple harmony of the day, of praise, of teaching, and prayer. He thought that it was the expression of something lying at the bottom of the hearts our people as undisturbed by the blasts of dispute and the heavings of doubt as the depths of ocean were undisturbed by the surface waves-the belief that, after all, the life of a nation was guided, and quickened, and inspired by God, and that, therefore, in our national celebrations pride should be transfigured into thankfulness, and hope for the future should be solemnised by prayer. Theirs was a universal service. Looking round at that great congregation he could not see any class not represented there, High and low, rich and poor, learned and simple, soldiers and citizens, all met in common together-all were upon one common ground. In the speeches of the past week he had observed that address had to be made with variety and gradation of title; but he would speak to them simply as brethren united in the common worship of our one Father and in the name of our one Saviour. There was in the very sense of a great multitude of living souls stirred by one impulse an almost indescribable power of grandeur and pathos, and a man's heart must be cold indeed if it were not moved within him when, as on that day, from all voices, rang out the wellknown "Hymn of Praise" to God. Their service was one of Christian unity-a unity not of vague colourless compromise, but the free unity of a common grasp, which after all made up the life of our life, the Fatherhood of one God, the salvation of the one Lord, the inspiration of the one Holy Spirit. Those who were to address the congregation would speak the clearest truth that they knew, and yet in their utterances there should be no distinctive variation of principle, there should not be a word said that would not strike a chord fit to vibrate in sympathy in the hearts of all. In the dear old hymns in which they would

join they were that day Christians and nothing but Christians, as they hoped they would one day be in Heaven. On all great days of national enthusiasm, the frostwork of division is quelled as by a glorious flame; but how much more when such enthusiasm was so kindled by the divine fire from the altar of God that it went up in a great cloud of incense to the heavens, where all were one in Him? Freedom under a moral necessity, unity of actiona unity ultimately in God-were not these exactly the forces which, under his providence, would make for national blessing and greatness, such as they could desire for a young country just growing to a knowledge of its capacity and destiny? Of all these might their worship that day be not only the symbol, but in its measure the means. So far as it was real and fervent, it would not pass away. It would live in them after they separated and returned to their homes, and to their own spheres of action and duty which were their contribution to the common history. It would be, he trusted, accepted and blessed of Him who watched over and guarded us all. Whatever lay before us in the century to coine-and we should remember that in a community, as in an individual, manhood had trials and dangers which the safer growth of earlier days never knew he hoped that God would strengthen and bless us. The Primate concluded by stating that the Cross was the sacred symbol to man of the law of self-sacrifice, which was the law of humanity, and, therefore, true greatness, and it was the symbol yet more sacred of the infinite love of a God-not a dim awful abstraction too high for us to know or feel, but a Father who knows the very heart of His creatures, and calls their weakness into the fellowship of a divine strength to work together with Him.

The hymn "Praise the Lord, ye Heavens adore Him," was then sung to the tune "Austria," after which an address was delivered by

The Rev. Dr. STEEL, who spoke upon the subject of "What hath God wrought for Australia?" After making some introductory remarks having reference to astrology and the science of astronomy, he said it was the conjunction of a star with the sun which occasioned Captain Cook's great voyage and led to the discovery of New South Wales. The scientific world had waited for the transit of Venus across the sun's disc in 1769 as one of the most important means of calculating the distance of the sun, but in the counsels of the Most High, "who telleth the number of the stars, and giveth them all their names," Venus was the morning star of a brighter day to the southern hemisphere when the ships of the isles of the far north-west sailed to Australia to found a new empire. The Bible taught us to hold a national thanksgiving. The chequered history of the children of Israel was made the theme of grateful hallelujahs and wrought out by sanctified genius into national psalms. The Israelites made their contrasts of experience songs for the worship of the All Wise Disposer of events, and this gave the Hebrew psalter a cosmopolitan character to guide and exemplify national gratitude. We might learn from it to-day how to review a century of toil and discipline, of blessing and of progress. Our past had been chequered, too; we had been in bondage and had had our trials and hardships; but we had had numerous blessings from the divine goodness and great success. It had pleased God to remember our low estate at the first and to grant us deliverance. Hazardous as was the experiment of founding a colony of such materials as were brou ht in the "first fleet," doubtful as sometimes were the issues between crime and cruelty, shocking as were the developments of sin and vice, few as were the examples of pure morality and consistent piety, it was matter for grateful acknowledgment to God that amidst all so much progress was achieved, so many discoveries made, so many settlements secured, and so many characters reformed. God had blessed the efforts of the humane and the Christian in philanthropic work among the prodigals of humanity, and for this they had cause to be thankful. Dr. Steel then sketched some of the incidents of early colonial history as illustrating the good which had been accomplished among lawless men by those who laboured to bring about their reformation. Allusion was also made to the great advances which had been made on all sides during the second half century of the colony's existence. Coeval with the founding of the colony was the

rise of modern missions. The movement struggled, as the colony did, for some time; but it revived the Church, and now, by the blessing of God, as they looked around they saw organised churches, the land covered with places of worship, the city a depôt for mission ships, and already 300 isles of the Pacific owning Christ. After dwelling upon the work of the Christian missionaries who carried the Gospel to New Zealand and Fiji, he concluded by saying that this colonial experience might be but "a lantern in the stern," but it illumined a century, and we might well raise our Ebenezer and say, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped

us."

The hymn commencing "All hail the power of Jesus's name was then sung. At the conclusion,

The Rev. Dr. KELYNACK spoke. Going back, he said, in imagination, to the beginning of settlement in the green woods of Port Jackson, and tracing all the mighty results that have developed from the same, we found a history that had surpassed the expectations of the most sanguine, and became more than the translation of a poet's dream. And our hearts must be cold indeed if they do not thrill with thankfulness and high resolve as we realise the grandeur of our inheritance, the splendour of our position, and the greatness of our work in this fair land of the Sunny South. Nor was the Anglo-Saxon settlement of this land without significance. On the broad page of history we might read the lesson that God has selected his agents according to the work they were to fulfil. And we might read with equal clearness the Divine intent in relation to ourselves, and that is, that our intellectual force, our governing power, our great colonising faculty, should reproduce the glory of the parent stock, but in a more extended sphere, and make this land a centre from which shall radiate an influence that shall be the joy and inspiration of humanity. The freedom of the constitution and government under which we live is at once a matter for congratulation and a trust to be wisely used. It must never be forgotten by us that intelligence and virtue are the necessary conditions of democracy if it is to be a rule of blessing. If power is so widely diffused it is all the more necessary that the body politic should have its lifeblood circulating from a heart that is true in its pulsations and healthy in its tone. If we glory in the freedom of our franchise, we must not drag it in the mire for personal or party ends, but the watchword of all who exercise it must be always and everywhere the supreme well-being of the State. If the doors of our Parliament are open to the representatives of the people, despite the accident of rank or wealth, we must have a care that the men who stand in that supreme court of legislation shall be marked by allegiance to the eternally right, in distinction from the politically expedient;-that our laws shall be such as to guard the claims of public morality, and to foster the cause of all that tends to make a nation great and strong. One thing that may justly stir our patriotic pride to-day is the munificent provision that has been made by the State in the cause of popular education. We have thus affirmed that the curse of ignorance shall not rest upon the land, and that we are keenly alive to the claims which the future citizen has upon the State that he may be fitted for the efficient discharge of his duty. Add to this the provision that this system makes for mora! training, and then we saw that what is aimed at is not only intellectual development, but, with that. moral force to regulate and guide it. But if we might be justly proud of our educational institutions we might with almost equal reason boast the activities of religion, as these assert themselves for the uplifting and purification of the whole realm of social life. It was but the utterance of a truism that is attested by the evidence of universal history, that a nation is powerful according as it enthrones conscience in the place of supreme power, and according, again,as conscience exerts that power in obedience to an authority that is higher than its own--even the will of God. What we want, therefore, to ensure a great future for the land is to make Christiauity the royal force to which all other forces must bow. The results that other influences have brought about we can find all adown the stream of time. But if we want to see what deference to a Divine