the Heads, and then for a short distance up Middle Harbour. Whilst in Middle Harbour a little diversion was afforded by the breakdown of the steering-gear, but the accident, fortunately, was easily repaired. The party numbered altogether about 100, amongst those present being the Hon. S. A. Joseph, chairman Chamber of Commerce; Mr. J. H. Storey, vice-president; Mr. Gotthelf, hon. treasurer; Lieut.-Colonel Sargood, Hon. J. F. Burns, Hon. James Inglis, Hon. B. R. Wise, Hon. Barker, M.L.C.. (Western Australia), Hon. C. H. James, M.L.C. (Victoria), Mr. Thomas Mackenzie, M.H.R. (New Zealand), Hon. G. A. Lloyd, Messrs. John Alger, H. C. Fraser, W. M'Millan, M.L.A., F. Lassetter, Thomas Littlejohn, R. T. Remington, W. J. Ferguson, J. C. Remington, Larmour, and H. C. Mitchell, secretary of the Chamber. Chowder Bay was reached about 7 o'clock, and the company at once sat down to an excellent dinner in the pavilion. The chair was occupied by the Hon. S. A. Joseph, Mr. Burns occupying the seat on his right hand, and Lieutenant-Colonel Sargood the seat on the left.

The usual loyal toasts having been proposed and honoured,

The CHAIRMAN, in proposing the health of the Ministry, said the toast was not a party one and had no party significance, as it was proposed simply with the desire to express appreciation of these gentlemen who undertook such arduous duties for their country. It had often struck him as remarkable that gentlemen possessing the necessary qualifications to enable them to satisfactorily conduct the business of the country could be found willing to relinquish their ordinary pursuits, and to devote their time and energies to the work of government, which must be done at very great personal sacrifice. He was sure that if these gentlemen had devoted their time, energy, and abilities to the ordinary pursuits of colonists they would have been very much better off. (Applause.) He regretted exceedingly that the veteran leader of the Government, Sir Henry Parkes, was unable to be present to-night, as no man had introduced more useful measures of legislation, or had done more to secure the liberty of the people of the country. (Applause.) But if the Premier was not here, we had the Colonial Treasurer, the Attorney-General, and the Minister for Public Instruction. On an occasion like this it was right to have the Minister for Finance and Trade present, because he presided over the commercial interests of the country, and he felt sure that the fiscal policy of his hon. friend the Colonial Treasurer was that which accorded with the feelings of certainly the majority of the members of the Chamber of Commerce. It might be that the commercial systems of the colonies were in an experimental stage, but he hoped that before the next decade the experimental stage would be over, and that then the whole of the systems would be in accord with the Sydney Chamber of Commerce. The Attorney-General had also done good work by passing an effective Bankruptcy Bill which the commercial classes had been trying to get for a long time, and the Chamber of Commerce were also greatly indebted to his efforts for legislation in this direction. The AttorneyGeneral would confer another benefit on the commercial community if he would endeavour to insist on some reform in the system of administration of the law as relating to commercial suits. The law itself was just and equitable, but what the commercial classes complained of was the not always correct application of the law and its slow and tedious application, and consequently many commercial men had to put up with gros and grievous injustice, because they could not afford the time and cost of the tedious remedy they had to seek at the hands of the law, as it now existed. (Cheers.) In conclusion, he remarked that they were honoured with the presence of representatives of the different legislative bodies of the various colonies, all existing under the same flag and speaking the same language. He trusted that the members of the different legislatures would devote their energies to the formation of the colonies into one united, grand, and federated Australia. (Applause.) The toast was drunk with great enthusiasmi. Mr. BURNS responded. He said that he was gratified by the evident enthusiasm which had been displayed by

that large and distinguished company in relation to the toast of The Ministry." (Applause.) He believed there was no class in this community better qualified than the members of the Chamber of Commerce to form an enlightened and unbiassed opinion on the conduct of the Government. They all knew something of the condition of the colony and of the state of their public affairs when this Government entered office a little more than a year ago. Their credit in England had been impaired by the great and rapid extension in the amount of the public debt, which in a few short years had expanded from £18,000,000 to £41,000,000. It had also been lowered by the imposition of taxation, which interfered with their commerce, and diverted trade from their shores. It was also known that their ordinary revenue was far below their ordinary expenditure, and that there was an accumulated deficit of at least £2,500,000. He thought he might fairly claim that the Government had accomplished much, despite unexampled difficulties, towards reviving public confidence and in freeing their commerce from restrictions which had operated to its prejudice. (Cheers.) They had, without experiencing much inconvenience, abstained from launching a new loan, which had no doubt raised their credit, which had been exemplified by the marked increase in the value of their securities. In January, 1887, when this Government took office, the 3 per cent. stock of New South Wales was worth only 94. It was now worth 102, and there could be no doubt that, owing to the high credit of the colony in London at the present time, they could easily float a 34 per cent. loan at par if they required it for public purposes. (Cheers.) Their tariff had already been made the simplest and fairest for all classes and interests yet adopted in the Australian colonies, and he hoped it would ere long be further simplified and shorn of its remaining unfair proportions. (Cheers.) It was only under such a tariff that even justice could be meted out under their fiscal laws. It was the mission and hope of this Government to place all classes upon an equality in relation to taxation, and to prevent any return to a system which, for the benefit of a few, would, as in protectionist France, Prussia, and Russia, which had large armaments to maintain, place the majority of their people, and especially their farmers and labourers, under great disabilities. It was only in seasons of depression and financial embarrassment that the fiscal policy to which this Government was opposed would be tolerated. Hence it was their desire to reduce the public expenditure to reasonable limits. They had made large reductions in the estimates of expenditure for 1888, but he feared that they could not hope for much relief from retrenchment till they passed their Railway Bill, which would minimise the evils of political patronage (cheers)—and their Local Government Bill, which would remove from the central Government duties and obligations which could better be discharged under local supervision. (Cheers.) hoped it would be the good future of this Government to be associated with changes which would bring the ordinary revenue up to the ordinary expenditure, and the restoration of the condition of the colony to a state which would afford no pretext for the advocacy of schemes which flourished best in seasons of adversity, and would receive no quarter in times of prosperity. (Loud applause.) Mr. WISE also responded to the toast.

He

Mr. STOREY proposed the Parliaments of Australasia, which was responded to by Mr. James, of the Victorian Legislative Council, Mr. Parker, of the Western Australian Legislative Council, and Mr. Mackenzie, of the New Zealand House of Representatives.

Mr. MACMILLAN proposed the toast of the "Chambers of Commerce and Commercial Union of Australasia." He referred briefly to the original progress of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce, which commenced in an insignificant manner, and a long period elapsed before it took any position in the community. Seven years ago the Chamber of Commerce had been put on broader basis, and had risen in three or four years from the insignificant number of 50 or 60 members to 220 members. The Chamber of Commerce had continually kept before the Government of the country some of the most salient reforms required in com

8

mercial matters, and their exertions had culminated in a most important reform, the present Bankruptcy Bill. With regard to the Commercial Union of the colonies-(hear, hear), they would perceive that in the Legislature of this country we were gradually getting out of the municipal topics of former years, and getting into the harder work of statesmanship and real legislation. The difficulties surrounding the question of a closer union between the colonies were simply enormous, and he wished to point out that there was no analogy between the geographical position of the various states of America or Canada and that of the Australian colonies. The former states were interdependent one on the other, and nothing but absolute free trade could possibly be found under such conditions, but here we had separate colonies, each with its own seaboard, and with all the possibilities of great nationalities. It was this fact which made it all the more necessary that we should not delay this commercial and governmental union of the colonies. (Applause.) He maintained that the commercial union of the colonies must be based on a uniform tariff, and we in New South Wales considered that the only rational basis for this tariff was that of free trade. (Applause.) The next point was the necessity for uniform commercial legislation, and in this respect he considered that a great deal might be done by the free interchange of ideas amongst the different commercial chambers of the colonies. He welcomed heartily those gentlemen from the other colonies who had done them the honour of attending, and he trusted that free trade would also be adopted by the other colonies, so that in the future, with political union, we should also have commercial union. (Applause.)

Lieutenant-Colonel SARGOOD responded, and in the course of his speech referred to the advantages to be derived from the Chambers of Commerce keeping themselves in touch with the Ministry of the day. He expressed a highly favourable opinion of the new Bankruptcy Act, and said that he would see if he could not induce the Victorian Government to follow the good example thus set.

Hon. G. A. LLOYD briefly proposed "The Guests," which was responded by Mr. Alger, and the toasts of "The Press" and "The Chairman" terminated the proceedings. The party then returned to Sydney in the Thetis.

THE SAILORS' FESTIVAL.

Of all the Centenary celebrations, the triumph in heartiness and geniality belongs to the Sailors' Festival, originated by Mr. J. S. Shearston, the devoted seaman's missionary, and carried out by him and a body of enthusiastic ladies to a most successful issue in the Exhibition Building last evening. The building was very handsomely decorated; the raised platform underneath the organ was draped with flags and the dais in front carpeted and decorated with plants and flowers; a bronze statue of the Queen occupied the front centre, and this was wreathed in flowers; the gallery railing was lined with deep scarlet, and from every pillar flags waved, while below they were draped in effective trophies. Opposite the dais were the Australian coat of arms and flags, flanked by the banners of Russia and France. The floor of the building was occupied by tables, measuring more than half a mile in length, and these were spread with all the necessaries for a good meal, attractively set out. There was much variety in the decorations. Each table was in charge of two ladies, seated at either end, with a band of ready helpers, who had striven to display their resources to the best; at the head of one a beautiful model of a ship was placed on a stand and surrounded by flags and flowers; on another, in scarlet flowers, the words "God bless our sailors; " a third had a band of ivy leaves with double gaillardias; at a fourth bands of red and blue ribbon, crossed at intervals down the centre with ferns and flowers traced upon them, and stars of flowers filling the spaces. Mottoes, with the words made in nuts and chocolate drops, ornamented others; and vases of flowers of many colours and shapes

were employed. The catering, which was most satisfactory, was undertaken by Mr. J. S. Smith, and included sandwiches, meat pies, mince pies, cakes of many kinds, and an abundance of fruit; and, in addition, a supply of tobacco, cigars, &c., was furnished for each sailor. About 2000 blue jackets, marines, and merchant sailors were present, including those from the French and Russian ships of war. There were several ladies who conversed freely with the former in their own language, to the great pleasure of the sailors, and efforts were made to talk with the Russiaus in French and German, but only a few were able to answer, though more seemed to understand. A small bouquet was given to each sailor, and also a New Year's card, with, on the reverse side, printed in Centennial blue, "A Memento of the Sailors' Festival in Celebration of the Centenary of Australia, held in the Exhibition Building, Sydney, N. S. W., January 31, 1888." Over this the arms and motto of New South Wales, and below the texts, "Thy way is in the sea and thy path in the great waters; "Acknowledge Him in all thy ways and He shall direct thy paths." The tea began at half-past 6, and all seemed thoroughly to enjoy the provision made. Most of the young ladies wore white dresses with ribbons of Centennial blue, and a badge of blue with a cross of red on a white ground, four stars, and the lion in gold upon the cross. The galleries were crowded with spectators and friends, and after tea the platform and the space in front of the dais were soon filled with ladies. At a quarter past 8 o'clock his Excellency the Governor and Lady Carrington arrived with a numerous suite. The distinguished visitors were received by the Primate and Mr. Shearston, and soon his Excellency appeared on the platform, followed by Lady Carrington, with Admiral Fairfax, the Grand Duke Alexis, Captain Hammill (Nelson), Captain Musgrave (Rapid), Captain Clayton (Diamond), Captain Kane (Calliope), Lieutenant-Commander Pike (Harrier), Lieutenant-Commander Pelly (Undine), Commander Hamilton, Fleet Paymaster North and Lieutenant Bayly (Nelson), Flag-Lieutenant Erskine, Lieutenant Gedge (Dart), an officer of the Rynda, the Marquis de Rostaing (Vice-Consul for France), Mr. Paul (Consul for Russia), the Hon. W. Clarke (Minister for Justice), Archdeacon King, Mr. James R. Fairfax, Captain Deane, Rev. Mr. Oram, and other gentlemen. The band of H.M.S. Nelson played the National Anthem; and a British sailor presented Lady Carrington with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Directly afterwards a Russian sailor, on behalf of his countrymen, presented a superb bouquet, tied with Kussian colours; and as her Ladyship shook hands with him, he gallantly stooped over and kissed her hand. The band played the grand Russian anthem, and immediately afterwards the "Marseillaise," amid great applause.

His Excellency then rose and called for three cheers for the Queen, which were right royally given, and it was some minutes before the enthusiasm subsided.

Lord Carrington said: Admiral Fairfax, ladies and gentlemen all, I congratulate you, sir, on this magnificent meeting. This magnificent meeting seems to be an entire success. I venture to think there is one thing wanting, and that is the gentle face of Mrs. Fairfax on this platform to-night-(applause) -the wife of our admiral, whose kindly heart and whose sympathies are always with those in sorrow and distress. (Cheers and applause.) In Lady Carrington's name, I am commissioned to thank the sailors of the English squadron for the bouquet which they have kindly presented to her this evening, and the kindly thought that prompted them to give it is all the more appreciated when we know that it was presented by one of the bravest of England's sons, George Beare. (Great applause.) Lady Carrington also returns her most hearty thanks to the sailors of the Russian ship for the compliment which they also have 80 unexpectedly and so handsomely paid to her. (Cheers and applause.) We welcome into the waters of Port Jackson the gallant ship Rynda, we welcome the gallant sailors who sail under the blue cross of St. Andrew, and we specially welcome-though we are not permitted to do so in an official manner-that distinguished officer who is on board, a close blood-relation of his Majesty the Czar. Though

not permitted to offer him an official welcome, we offer him a right royal welcome with all our hearts. (Applause.) We are also proud and pleased to see the tricolour flying alongside our ships, and we also offer to them a right hearty welcome. (Cheers and applause.) It is a great satisfaction to us to see the men-of-war's men sitting around these tables to-night, but our meeting would not be complete without our good Australian seamen, whom we are so proud to see. (Great applause.) We have heard a great deal about the improvement the world has seen in the last hundred years. All nations congratulate themselves on the improvement in their ships. Of all the changes which have taken place in the last halfcentury, I fancy nothing has altered so much as the Royal Navy. I believe when the Queen came to the throne that all the steam vessels in the Royal Navy put together did not equal in tonnage or in horse-power one single firstclass ship of the present time. The displacemeut of the largest vessel in a fleet of 129 ships of war was 4000 tons. We then had 26,000 seamen; we now have 61,000 seamen, exclusive of 25,000 of the reserves; and out of the fleet of 191 ships the largest of them have a displacement of 12,000 tons. The trade in the Pacific in those days was not of sufficient importance to demand special protection. Now, in addition to a strong fleet of ships in the China Seas, we have a formidable Australian squadron, shortly to be reinforced by more ships, provided at the cost of the British

Government, and maintained for the protection of our coasts and commerce by the Australasian colonies themselves. We can fairly congratulate ourselves on a wonderful improvement in ships' speed, armament, and in science; but I venture to think that our highest reason of congratulation is in the truth of the compliment which, as Governor of New South Wales, I am able to pay to the Admiral on the wonderful discipline and good conduct of the men-of-war's men on shore. (Cheers.) It is not too much to say that these men show a moral example which truly makes the Royal Navy the credit and the glory of the whole nation. (Loud cheers.)

Admiral Fairfax expressed his sense of obligation to his Excellency for presiding, to Lady Carrington for her presence, and to Mr. Shearston for his kind invitation, and remarked that in the speeches of the past week no reference had been made to the navy; yet the history of Australia was inseparably connected with the navy; an English naval officer had discovered our harbour and the bays of East Australia. A naval officer had founded and governed the colony, and during the last 100 years the navy of Great Britain had protected the commerce of this country and the lives of those who had gone forth to the South Pacific islands. The navy, he felt, was considered by Australians as the strongest link in the chain which bound them to the mother country; he dwelt upon the mutual affection between the navy and the people, and thanked the arrangers and contributors of the feast and the Royal Naval Artillery for their band.

The Primate followed, quoting his Excellency's remark on a former day that Australia's "sentinel is the sea, she depends on the navy for safety and on the mercantile marine for wealth;" referred to the feeling of brotherhood between the sailors of England and the sailors and people of Australia, and reminded the sailors that the great strength of the men was in their character, and that the bravest of the naval warriors of old were God-fearing men, whose aim was to do their duty simultaneously to their country and God, and that from time immemorial, as an old sailor had said, our sailors "because they feared God so much, feared nothing else in the world."

their

The musical programme was necessarily much curtailed. It contained 25 items, but half the number only were given. These included part songs, "Lovely Night," and "Nancy Lee," by gentlemen amateurs; in the latter the whole company took up the chorus. There were five local solos by ladies, of which we are, in spite of gallantry, com

pelled to say the end did not justify the means. The acoustic properties of the Exhibition Building are so defective that voices really effective elsewhere are powerless there, and the best intentions are frequently worthless when the singers are unaccustomed to the building. A violin solo of popular airs by Miss Winstanley was much approved; also The Old Brigade," sung by a seaman; "On Deck," by Mr. Walshe, with Let me like a soldier fall," as encore; and "One hundred years," by Mr. Beaumont Read. Mr. Fletcher also gave great pleasure by his cornet solo, and was encored; and Mr. Charles Huenerbein, in the rig of a Jack Tar, did excellent service at the piano.

Captain Clayton returned thanks to Lord and Lady Carrington for their presence, and to the ladies and gentlemen who assisted to make the festival a success At the call of the captain three cheers were given for "Our Australian friends," and one cheer for the ladies. Cheers were also given for Mr. Shearston, and the proceedings terminated with the singing of the National Anthem, in which all joined.

The National Anthem was sung by all present (about 4000) in excellent time and tune, led by Mr. Huenerbein on the piano, and the Governor, Lord Carrington, then called for three cheers for the Queen, when arose what may be termed a mighty sound, which so worked on his Excellency that he called for three more, and three after, and then the proceedings terminated.

The committee are indebted to Messrs. Hudson Brothers for the tables; to Turberville Smith and Norton for the carpets and furniture; and to Alexander Moore and Co. for giving the chairs at half price. The whole festival was indeed a magnificent success, and will be long remembered by all present.

ENGINEERING ASSOCIATION'S CEN

over

TENARY EXCURSIONS.

Yesterday saw the successful completion of the last of the series of excursions organised and carried out by the Engineering Association of New South Wales, Lithgow Valley and its factories being the objects of the final excursion. The party, numbering about 90 gentlemen, among whom were the Hon. John Sutherland, M.L.A., and several Continental visitors, also some of the officers belonging to the Russian warship Rynda, left Redfern railway station at 8 o'clock a.m. by special train and arrived at Eskbank at about 1 o'clock. The carriages were drawn up at the Ironworks siding, where the visitors were received by Mr. Sandford, and afterwards conducted the iron-rolling mills, where the usual operations were going on. Thereafter they proceeded to the Lithgow Valley Company's extensive fireclay and pottery works, where, under the guidance of Mr. Gale, they had every opportunity of seeing the varied processes of manufacturing that are now being carried on so successfully. A visit was also made to the tweed factory, where the different kinds of machinery employed in converting the raw wool into the textile material were inspected. Dur ing the afternoon the party was entertained at a banquet at Corbett's Imperial Hotel, when a list of toasts was honoured and a number of complimentary speeches given. Astonishment was expressed at the wonderful mineral resources of the district, and a great future for Lithgow was predicted. The members of the association and their friends left on the return journey at 6 p.m., and reached Sydney shortly after 11 o'clock last night. Throughout the day the weather was all that could be desired, and the guests expressed themselves highly satisfied and pleased with the enjoyable outing they had been permitted to participate in, as the last excursion was voted the most delightful of the series.

Last night, in connection with the Centennial celebrations, a grand pyrotechnic display and illumination of the harbour took place. The weather was charming-a fine, cool, clear night, with soft breeze blowing-all that the entrepeneur could desire to give effect to his display. The harbour was alive with steamers and boats. Thousands of people were assembled in the vicinity of Fort Macquarie, Dawes Point, Kirribilli Point and the Tarpeian Way. The spectacle itself was of surpassing magnificence. The whole of the vessels forming the Australian Squadron now in Farm Cove, and the Russian corvette Rynda, were outlined with prismatic fires, which had a picturesque effect. Yardarms, booms, and bowsprits were manned by sailors carrying coloured fires. The first illuminations of the ships took place about 8.40 p.m., when, by a preconerted signal given by Captain Hammill, of the Nelson, the whole of the vessels joined in a simultaneous display of light. At the same time Fort Denison and the grounds surrounding the residence of Admiral Fairfax at Kirribilli Point and a portion of the grounds of Government House were turned as if by a magic wand into a brilliant mass of fire. Particulars of the display are given below. The whole of the arrangements, which were admirably carried out, were executed under the personal supervision of Mr. James Pain, assisted by Mr. Denton.

THE DISPLAY OF FIREWORKS.

The display commenced by a discharge of 100 gun-cotton rockets, otherwise known as aerial guns, fired from Fort Denison. Hardly had the last echoes of the reports died away from amongst the surrounding hills before the whole of the men-of-war in the harbour, together with the Russian man-of-war, were outlined by Pain's prismatic fires. The first illumination took place at 8.40 by a preconcerted signal given by the Nelson. Fort Denison was brilliantly outlined, and the grounds surrounding the Admiral's house, together with portion of the grounds surrounding Farm Cove, were turned into daylight. A body of 20 men was placed on Garden Island with three tons of loose coloured fire. At the different intervals when these were lighted, the whole of Sydney Harbour for miles around was perfectly visible. A flight of shells each of 24in. in circumference formed magnificent peacocks' plumes. Other shells displayed the national colours of the red, white, and blue. Flights of mammoth bombs, each 48in. in circumference, formed jewelled clouds. There were flights of combination shells. Each shell on attaining its extreme altitude discharged 3000 tinted stars of every colour known to the artist. At the same time they discharged seven other shells, each one of which showered down clouds of silvery rain amidst thousands of falling stars. Fiery rockets ascended 4000ft., and then each discharged 14 other rockets in every direction, upwards, downwards, and sideways. Each rocket left three stars floating in the air, the floating being brought about by means of small parachutes. Of floating asteroids there were 400. These floated by means of heated air. Enormous flights of aerial devils, or a combination of hissing serpents, were discharged in huge bunches, weighing from 50 to 75 lb. each. Each, on obtaining an extreme altitude, exploded, throwing out a multitude of fiery serpents. At a quarter to o'clock the first of a flight of rockets was charged from Kirribilli Point. This consisted of 1000 rockets, fired instantaneously by means of the lightning

9

dis

fuse. The second flight of rockets was fired from Fort Denison, and consisted of 1500, forming a great aerial wheat sheaf. The third and final flight was fired from each point so as to commingle the different tints of colours and effects. These consisted of 2500. In the meanwhile from every point and from every ship in the harbour hundreds of rockets were continually fired, and the whole of the harbour was brilliantly illuminated. There were shoals of fiery flying fish, which were most wonderful. There were mammoth spreaders which were wonderfully pretty. Flights of fiery wragglers were followed by nests of hissing serpents. Pleiades, or three sister stars, of red, white, and blue, floated until lost to sight in the distance; and electric shells were most dazzling. Altogether 12,000 rockets were discharged, 2300 large shells were despatched, three tons of coloured fire was burned, and two tons of coloured lights.

THE SCENE FROM FORT MACQUARIE. Somehow or other, whenever we celebrate any great national event in Sydney, we always fall back on the harbour as a means of display, and take special pride in setting off her wondrous beauties by artificial illuminations, We may wander away, as we occasionally do, into other paths, and hold celebrations of various kinds, but eventually we always come back to our old love, Port Jackson, where the heart of the Sydney people really is, finding that, after all, our Jubilee or Centennial rejoicings are not complete unless the harbour is included in them. There are many points of view on the harbour from which such an illumination as was given last night may be advantageously seen, but probably the best point is Fort Macquarie, which from its peculiar position, jutting as it does right into the centre of the harbour, enables spectators stationed there to command an unequalled all-round view of whatever is going on. Hence, as the public are fully aware of this fact, it came about that Fort Macquarie was very largely availed of by sight-seers, and even before dusk set in crowds of people found their way thither, anxious no doubt to obtain a good place. As the light in the west gradually faded away, and the lights on the opposite shore and on the shipping in the harbour began to show forth, so the crowd gradually increased, until by 8 o'clock almost every inch of the level space of ground in front of the Fort was occupied. The crowd was a good-natured one, partaking more of the character of a private than of a public gathering, and the people seated themselves quietly on the smooth grass, awaiting with exemplary patience the commencement of operations. The wind Was fresh and cool from the N.E., and the night was dark and slightly overcast, so that all the conditions for the display were extremely favourable. The first warning note of the approaching illumination was given by the ambitious crew of a small boat near the Fort, who let off several very ineffectual squibs, to the intense delight of the crowd, many of whom imagined the display to be of an official character. The assemblage now began to stir itself into agitation, and those in front were forcibly and earnestly adjured to sit down, so that those in the rear might have a chance to see what was going on. By this time the crowd extended right away round to the Botanical Gardens, and along the Tarpeian Way, every place from which a sight of the harbour could be obtained being occupied. A band stationed somewhere in the rear in Fort Macquarie could be faintly heard against the strong N.E. breeze, playing stirring airs, and so the time wore on, until at last, after much patient waiting, the crowd were rewarded by the commencement of the illuminations. The ball was opened at Fort Denison, which hitherto had been only distinguishable by the red light which marks the spot, but now a flight of aerial shells, sending forth as

they burst wondrously variegated showers of coloured stars, illuminated the whole of the centre of the harbour. Kirribilli Point opposite followed suit, and then Fort Macquarie itself commenced the discharge of these shells, until at last the spectators on the point hardly knew which way to look in order to obtain the best vision of the display. One peculiarity of Fort Macquarie as a point of view was that it was impossible to Ree the displays from each of the three points-Kirribilli, Fort Denison, and Fort Macquarie at once. Thus a peculiar perplexity of enjoyment arose, as no sooner was attention attracted by some splendid discharge across the harbour, than another explosion behind caused everyone to turn around in order to see the shower of rockets and stars sent up behind them. For some time the splendid effects produced were watched in a state of suppressed rapture, shown only by the occasional "ahs" and "ohs" which broke from the lips of the more enthusiastic amongst the otherwise silent crowd. The rockets and stars, and other wonderful aerial fireworks ceased for a moment, and then far away across the dark harbour a sudden light shot up, which developed into a brilliant row of white and coloured lights, illuminating the rugged outlines of Fort Denison, and casting them into relief against the dark background. Fort Macquarie, and the Inner Domain, and then Kirribilli were lit up in the same way, the lights constantly changing from white to red or green. The splendid effect produced by these three points of brilliancy, lighting up the dark space of the harbour waters between, was added to by the sudden illumination of the numerous fleet of men-of-war lying in Farm Cove, the presence of which, as they lay hidden in the darkness, had hitherto been almost unnoticed. Each mast and yard was almost simultaneously outlined by means of white lights at the yard arms, afterwards changing to red, and then a number of rockets were sent up by the men-of-war, which, however, made but a poor show after Mr. Pain's triumphs of the pyrotechnical art. The men-of-war having faded away into darkness, more rockets, aerial guns, &c., of every variety of colour and effect, were sent up from each of the three points of main display. It was but a poor night for the stars of heaven, which, although shining much the same as usual, were quite eclipsed by the many-coloured stars shed forth from the bursting rockets. Perhaps the most beautiful effect of all during the display was that produced by the illuminated smoke from the rockets and stars, which drifted away before the breeze across the dark sky, assuming as it passed overhead infinitely quaint and fantastic shapes. The men-of-war were once more illuminated, and the coloured lights again exhibited from the shore, a different effect being produced each time by a skilful variation of the colours; and then some magnificent showers of rockets of all kinds foreshadowed the termination of the display, which by this time had lasted nearly an hour. tators were almost, if it be allowable to say so, satiated with the wonderful beauties of the scene, and the eye refused to take in, or the brain to appreciate, any more of the startling combinations of form and colour which they had been witnessing for the last hour. It was therefore hardly with a feeling of regret that they heard the last detonations of the aerial guns which announced the termination of the display and took their hasty departure from the spot where during the last hour they had stood almost entranced witnessing a scene which for picturesque effect has been but seldom equalled.

KIRRIBILLI POINT.

The spec

No better position was, perhaps, obtained for viewing the illuminations than that which was afforded at Kirribilli Point, and it is not surprising, therefore, that some hundreds of persons crossed the harbour and made their way as near as possible to this firing point. Between half-past 7 and half-past 8 o'clock the North Shore Ferry steamers did an exceedingly lively business. On each trip between the time stated and the firing of the centenary salute the steamers were well filled by spectators eager to get to Milson's Point and other landing places in the vicinity of the firing. Those who were on board the steamer which left the jetty just as the

opening salute was fired were favoured with a magnificent view of the illuminations on Kirribilli Point. From the time the steamer started until Milson's Point was reached, Kirribilli and Fort Denison appeared to be one blaze of light. The whole point with its coloured fires belching forth immense columns of smoke, assumed the appearance of a huge burning mountain or volcano, the grandeur of which must have filled the spectators with a thrill of delight. The expressions of admiration which this picture called forth from young and old alike may be better imagined than told. The wonderment and surprise shown in the upturned features of the hundreds of juveniles who were out with their parents or other guardians, to witness the display, were well worth noting, whilst the praise which was freely bestowed by the older folk and those who were capable of judging the sight upon its merits showed clearly that there was but one opinion with regard to the success of the entertainment. People assembled in hundreds on Milson's Point, from which vantageground a good survey of a large portion of the harbour, including Kirribilli Point, Fort Macquarie, Fort Denison, and the large fleet of vessels in Farm Cove, was obtained. At a quarter to 9 o'clock the first of a flight of 1000 rockets was discharged from Kirribilli Point, the firing being done instantaneously by means of the lightning fuse; the scene had an equally electrifying effect upon the people along the North Shore. Cheers arose from some groups of spectators, and expressions of admiration were heard on every side. The brilliancy of the scene was increased by the hundreds of rockets which took their flight from Fort Macquarie, to almost meet some hundreds of others which were discharged simultaneously from Fort Denison, and which, bursting high up in the heavens, descended in showers of golden and silvern rain intermixed with purple, red, and A short interval elapsed and Kirribilli again presented a grand spectacle, being lighted with immense coloured fires, the predominating colours being white, red, and green, the reflection showing up very clearly Admiralty House and grounds, and the hundreds of spectators who lined the various points on the North Shore. The fleet in Farm Cove presented a very pretty sight as seen from North Shore, Each of the vessels was every now and again illuminated by numerous coloured lights. The reflection upon the water brought out very distinctly numerous small steamers, launches, and little boats, all of which were crowded with sightseers. A large number of aerial guns, firing serpents, and aerial devils, which for brilliancy and colour could not be surpassed, were discharged from Kirribilli, and created much excitement amongst the spectators, as did also the grand display of rockets fired as a termination to the proceedings.

green.

FROM MRS. MACQUARIE'S CHAIR.

From early in the evening people began to assemble in the Domain, coming in at all the entrances; and as the hour approached at which the illuminations were announced to begin, the moving crowd increased in volume, the main centre of attraction being Mrs. Macquarie's Chair and the slope facing Farm Cove. By 8 o'clock there was an immense assemblage of well-dressed, orderly people on the point, and their numbers continued to be largely added to every moment, until there was scarcely more than standing room. All vehicular traffic was stopped in the Domain, a provision that met with general approval, as the crowd was so large and the proportion of children so great that had vehicles been allowed to come in there would have been

great danger of an accident. Sub-inspector Hyem, with a body of police, was on duty in the Domain, but the behaviour of the crowd was such that there was very little for him to do. By half-past 8, when the steamers, which had been coming from all parts of the harbour, had taken up their separate positions, the signal was given to begin the display, and amid exclamations of delight and pleasure, the salute of 100 aerial guns thundered and blazoned forth. This was the prelude to a display that was in every way successful and beautiful, and