following:-Volunteer Artillery, Captain Chapman (in command), Lieutenant Lester, Lieutenant Orr Reserve Volunteer Artillery, Captain Phillips (in command), Lieutenant Dunne; Torpedo Corps, Major Walker (in command), Captain Wilson, Lieutenant Broughton, Lieutenant Logan; Reserve Infantry (suburban), Captain Mullarky (in command), and Lieutenant Butler (Ashfield), and Lieutenant Wiseman (Marrickville), Lieutenant Watson (Hunter's Hill); Scottish Rifles, Captain Campbell (in command). Lieutenant Pearce; adjutants of reserves, Captain Bouverie and Captain Bayly; Engineer Corps, Lieutenant Cansdell; 2nd Regiment Infantry, Major Norris, adjutant (in command), Lieutenant Stack, Lieutenant Gilchrist, Lieutenant Mason, Lieutenant Shipway; 1st Regiment Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Farrell (in command), Captain Morris, Lieutenant Anderson, Lieutenant Burton. The whole parade was under the command of the commandant, Major-General Richardson, C.B. The general was accompanied by Colonel Roberts, C.M.G., commander of the Artillery Forces, who, by the way, commanded the troops at the unveiling of the statue of Prince Albert, and by Major Mackenzie, the assistant adjutant-general. The other head quarters' staff officers present were Lieutenant-Colonel Baynes, chief paymaster, and Sergeant-Major Williams, principal medical officer. The formation of the column was timed for 11 o'clock, and when ready the troops marched out of the Domain by the southern gate, headed by the bands, and proceeded to the enclosure, where they were formed up on the north and south sides of the space in front of the platform. The Volunteer Artillery, Torpedo Corps, and Suburban Infantry Reserves were placed with the Permanent Artillery guard of honour on the north, across Macquarie-street, thus completing the group of dark uniforms, and in front of the guard of honour General Richardson, Colonel Roberts, Major Mackenzie, and Captain Jomerie took up their positions. The bands were drawn up on the right front of the guard of honour, close to the platform. The Infantry and Engineers were formed up on the south near the Hyde Park entrance, and included all the red cloth of the parade. All branches turned out in capital style, with clothing, arms, and accoutrements, in good order; and the details of the parade, though small in their extent, were carried out with rapidity and precision. The troops were in their places by the appointed time of half-past 11, and stood at ease until called upon to perform their part of the ceremony. FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. The It was anticipated that a number of Friendly Societies would have taken part in the demonstration, but to the surprise of many only one, the Protestant Alliance, made its appearance on the ground. There are between 7000 and 8000 members in this society, but of these not more than 300 met at the Protestant Hall yesterday morning. It was explained that if the day had been proclaimed a public holiday, there would have been a much larger attendance; but a number of the members who perhaps could not afford to lose two days' pay, preferred being present at the trade societies' demonstration on Thursday, rather than at yesterday's celebration gathering, headed by the Young Workmen's fife and drum band playing lively airs, and the banner of the society, marched down Castlereagh-street into Park-street, and then into the southern half of Hyde Park, where they remained in waiting for nearly half an hour, and as none of the other societies had arrived at the end of that time, they proceeded through the main avenue to the statue, where they took position on the left of the dais. The banner-bearers held aloft the old banner of the society, which has a ground of blue and a border of yellow silk. one side is a representation of the Queen pointing with her left hand to an open Bible showing the words Righteousness exalteth a nation," with Windsor Castle as a background to the picture, while on the top are the words, "Long Live Our Noble Queen," and at the bottom, "Long May She Reign." On the other are portraits of the founders of the society, with its title, Protestant 46 On Alliance Friendly Society of Australia," overhead, a crown in the centre, and the date of its establishment underneath. The society has just had a magnificent new banner manufactured at a cost of £100, which it was intended to display yesterday, but owing to the route fixed on by the centennial committee, viz., through the park, it was deemed unsafe to risk its being injured by the trees or ropes. The officers of the society present were:-John Wheeler, D.G.M.; George T. Smith, D.G.M.; G. D. Iredale, G.S.; J. G. Morris, G.T.; J. H. Read, D.D.M.; G H. Johnston, P.M.; and Samuel Giles, W.M., marshal. on THE SCHOOL CHILDREN. By no means the least pleasing and effective portion of the ceremony was the vast assemblage of school children, whom the efforts of the committee had brought together to witness an event which, with its impressive surroundings, will leave an indelible impression on their youthful minds, to be strengthened as they reach a maturer age into a feeling of loyalty and devotion to that august Sovereign whose long reign has don so much for the peace and prosperity of the British Empire. The original arrangement was that the children should assemble in Hyde Park North, but this rendezvous was subsequently altered, a change which at first was productive of considerable confusion. At 10 o'clock Hyde Park presented a most animated spectacle, detached groups of joyous children, all clad in their best attire, occupying the greater portion of the sward at the northern end of the park. Gradually and by slow degrees these independent segregations of children were gathered together and classified inte schools by their respective teachers, who for a little while had quite a busy time of it, and were marched off to the Public school in Castlereagh-street. Here the schools were properly separated and formed into marching order, all of which was not accomplished without the expenditure of some little time and patience the part of the teachers, but at last confusion and chaos were turned into order and discipline, and everything was ready for a start. In the meantime the children belonging to the Catholic denominational schools had formed up at St. Mary's, and both detachments of children marched through the park to the stand provided for their use, close to the statue. It was a happy idea of the organisers of this great ceremony to include the children in it, for nothing could have been more beautiful than the appearance which the happy children presented as they marched through the park on their way to take part in the great ceremony. No greater evidence of the general prosperity of all classes in Australia could be produced than the universally well-to-do aspect of the children, for all were dressed with extreme care, and some with a refinement of taste which denoted the careful attention of loving hands at home. The girls-of all ages, from the three-yearold tot to the full-grown miss-naturally carried off the palm in this respect, and with but few exceptions they were all attired in white frocks and blue sashes, a costume appropriate to innocence and youth. There was no attempt made at any uniform attire in the dresses of the boys, whose rougher nature and greater exuberance of animal spirits do not lend themselves so readily to any artistic treatment of this kind. It is difficult for those of mature years to readily enter into the feelings of children on such an occasion as this, but their keen enjoyment of the whole affair, as depicted on their happy and smiling faces, was sufficiently manifest, even to the most casual observer. There were probably at least 1200 children present, the Public schools sending some 900 children, and the Denominational schools about 300. The following schools were represented, each one sending from 50 to 60 scholars:Public schools: Camperdown, Pyrmont, Paddington, Glebe, Castlereagh-street, Waverley, George-street, Redfern, Fort-street, Balmain, Leichhardt, Clevelandstreet, William-street, and Bourke-street. Catholic Denominational schools: St. James's, St. Mary's, St. Patrick's, Christ Church, St. Francis', and the Sisters of the Good Samaritan. The stand provided for the children occupied an excellent position, just to the right of the statue, and was raised some 3ft. or 4ft. off the ground, so that all the youngsters were enabled to obtain an excellent view. A small number of them were seated on forms, but the great majority had to stand, and, indeed, the number was so great that it would have been impossible to place the children within the allotted space in any other way. Each school was in charge of its respective head and junior teachers, and the arrangement of the children on the stand was controlled by Herr Hugo Alpen, who acted as leader in the musical portion of the programme. At the close of the proceedings the children were afforded an excellent opportunity of seeing the newly unveiled figure from a nearer point of view, as they were admitted to walk round the dais immediately at the base of the statue. The new shillings, which are to be given to each scholar as a memento of the occasion, were not distributed yesterday, in order to avoid confusion, but they will be sent to each of the schools, and ail the children who were present will receive one. A bronze Centennial medal is also to be presented to 50 of the best scholars. THE VICE-REGAL PROCESSION. Not the least interesting feature of the proceedings was the procession from Government House to the statue. The route chosen for the vice-regal carriages was via Macquarie, Hunter, and Phillip streets, and thence by way of Kingstreet to that portion of the roadway situate between the principal stand and the eastern portion of St. James' Church. A procession which should include the Governors of all the colonies, as well as some other persons of distinction, was naturally looked forward to with a considerable amount of interest. People who were fortunate enough to own houses having balconies on the line of route, as well as their friends, took up positions at various heights to watch the carriages drive by. Other people, whose houses are not furnished with balconies, were to be seen with their friends in full force at the numerous windows. The pavements were occupied by some thousands of citizens, all eager to catch a glimpse of the pageant that was anticipated. The vice-regal procession was composed of three carriages, the escorts to which were a body of the Sydney Lancers and a troop of the mounted police force. The staffs of the various Governors did not take part in the procession, but went in advance of it in carriages to the statue. Amongst the gentlemen who proceeded in that way to the statue were Lord Bertie, Captain Keith Falconer, Captain Pritchard, Captain Mecham, Mr. Robinson, and Major Philli more. The carriages of his Excellency Lord Carrington and guests, with the escorts, passed out of the Government House gateway at a quarter to 12 o'clock. The place of honour as an escort was occupied by the Sydney Lancers, of whom there were about 30, under the command of Captain Dodds, with whom was Lieutenant Vernon. The troop was formed up in half-sections, with lances at the trail. First came the two leaders, then the connecting file, then the firs, division of 10 or 12 men, who immediately preceded the carriage (a barouche) of his Excellency Lord Carrington, P.C., G.C.M.G. In it were seated the Governor (who wore 8 rosette of pale blue, the Centennial colour), Lady Carrington, Sir Henry Loch, K.C.B., G.C.M.G., Governor of Victoria, and Sir Anthony Musgrave, G.C.M.G., Governor of Queensland. Major M'Donald (the officer commanding the cavalry, and major of the Lancers) rode on one side of Lord Carrington's carriage, and Captain Knox on the other. Following the first carriage came the second division of the Lancers escort, then the connecting file, and then the rear half. section, followed by two orderlies from Government House. The escort of police troopers numbered 24, and was under the command of Sub-inspector Thompson. This guard was formed in half-sections, up was the case in regard to the Lancers. Half the troopers composed the rear-guard to the second carriage, while the remainder occupied a similar position in respect to the third carriage. In the second carriage (a sociable) were the Countess of Carnarvon, Sir William Robinson, G.C.M.G. (Governor of South Australia), Sir Robert Hamilton, K.C.B. (Governor of Tasmania), and Sir Frederick N. Broome, K.C.M.G. (Governor of Western Australia); and in the third carriage (a landau) were Sir Charles Mitchell, K.C.M.G. (ex-Governor of Fiji), the Duke of Manchester, K.G., the Earl of Carnarvon, and Major Gascoigne. The procession proceeded at the trot, and the occupants of the carriages were cheered as they passed through the streets. On arrival opposite the statue Lord and Lady Carrington were received with much enthusiasm. The party were welcomed by the Premier (Sir Henry Parkes, G.C.M.G), and the members of the Centennial Celebration Commission. Lady Carrington was escorted to the vice-regal dais by the president of the commission (the Hon. John Lackey, M.1.C.) and Lady Carnarvon by the President of the Legislative Council (Sir John Hay, K.C.M.G.). The members of the commission who, in addition to Mr. Lackey and Sir John Hay, were present were- -the Hon. J. F. Burns (Colonial Treasurer), the Hon. C. J. Roberts, C.M.G. (PostmasterGeneral), the Hon. J. H. Young (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly), Messrs. R. Burdett Smith, T. M. Slattery, D. O'Connor, S. Burdekin, A. J. Riley, J. H. Want, Ms.L.A., James R. Fairfax, E. Fosbery (InspectorGeneral of Police), and James Barnet (Colonial Architect). Amongst other gentlemen who were present were the Attorney-General (Hon. B. R. Wise), and Minister for Works (Hon. John Sutherland), the Minister for Mines (Hon. F. Abigail), the Minister for Justice (Hon. William Clarke), the Minister for Public Instruction (Hon. James Inglis), the Most Rev. the Primate (Dr. Barry), the Right Rev. Dr. Murrey (Bishop of Maitland), the Right Rev. Dr. Doyle (Bishop of Grafton), and the Right Rev. Dr. Corbett (Bishop of Sale), all three of whom attended as a deputation to represent the Roman Catholic Church; the Chief Justice (Sir Frederick Darley), Hon. S. A. Joseph, Hon. P. G. King, Hon. W. J. Trickett, Hon. G. Thornton, Sir John Robertson, Sir Patrick Jennings, Mr. Justice Faucett, Captain Hixson, Dr. Marano (Consul for Italy), Dr. Milford, Mr. C. B. Stephen, Mr. Spencer, Mr. J. C. Neild, M.L.A., Mr. C. R. Burnside (secretaryto the Centennial Celebrabration Commission), Mr. H. Hudson, and Mr. Spencer. The following visitors also occupied seats on the Governors' dais:From Victoria: Sir James MacBain (President of the Legislative Council), Hon. M. H. Davies (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly), Dr. Brownless (Chancellor of the Melbourne University), Mr. F. T. Derham (PostmasterGeneral), Alderman B. Benjamin (Mayor of Melbourne), Alderman the Hon. C. J. Ham, M.L.C., Councillors G. Godfrey, Terry, Bowen, Anderson, Buxton, Peirce, M.L.A., and Geddes, E. G. Fitzgibbons (town clerk). From Queensland: Hon. W. Forrest, M.L.C., Hon. W. H. Wilson. M.L.C. (Postmaster-General). From South Australia Hon. J. C. F. Johnson (Minister of Education), Hon. R. A. Tarlton, M.L.C. From Tasmania : Hon. B. Stafford Bird (Colonial Treasurer), Mr. A. Crisp (Mayor of Hobart), Hon. W. Moore, M.L.C., Messrs. E. H. Sutton, M.H.A., H. Conway, M.H.A., A. C. Douglas (Secretary Post Office), F. J. Pritchard, MajorGeneral Sussex C. Milford, Le Chevalier V. Marano, M.D. (Italian Consul). THE CEREMONY. The ceremony of unveiling was but momentary, though full of meaning and interest. It was performed with electric quickness in the presence of thousands, through whose minds must have passed with equal rapidity the thought that they were not only honouring the Queen whom that statue represents when they cheered so joyously, but the constitutional system of government which they enjoy under her reign. The first intimation that the patient spectators received that the ceremony was at hand was the appearance of four pretty little girls on the dais. They were all dressed in white, with sashes of pale blue. Two of them, Cecilia and Eleanor, were the daughters of Mr. Cecil Stephen, and the others were Ruby and Gwladys Griffiths. They bore huge bouquets of beautiful flowers. Whilst admiring these little ones the crowd suddenly became apprised of the presence of Lord and Lady Carrington, and started cheering. Lady Carrington, leaning on the arm of the Hon. John Lackey, the Countess of Carnarvon conducted by Sir John Hay, and Lord Carrington appeared in front of the dais. There was renewed cheering, and the bands played the National Anthem. The Vice-regal party then ascended the dais, and one of the little girls stepping forward handed the most beautiful bouquet to Lady Carrington. It was composed of tuberoses, souvenir roses, white bouvardia, white foxes, large adianthum, maidenhair ferns, and caladium leaves. On the surface the crown and the letters "V.R.I." were worked in red ardisia berries. Another beautiful bouquet was handed to the Countess of Carnarvon. It was made of similar flowers, but contained the Australian coat-of-arms, worked in yellow berries. Their ladyships were somewhat surprised at receiving such handsome bouquets. Speeches were then delivered by his Excellency Lord Carrington and Sir Henry Parkes. Lord CARRINGTON said: Your Excellencies, My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen,-In assisting at this ceremony of unveiling the Queen's statue, we are not only paying our tribute of personal respect to the Sovereign of the greatest confederation which the world has ever seen, but as loyal citizens and as honest men we are asserting a great principle. (Cheers.) We are showing our veneration for order, and we recognise that under a constitutional sovereignty we have been able to obtain the greatest amount of freedom which a country has ever enjoyed, with the certainty that the weakest of us will be protected, and that justice will be meted out to all alike, and that the laws made by the people themselves will be administered without fear, partiality, favour, or affection. (Cheers.) Under the Queen's rule every person in New South Wales knows that the powers of the Executive are held in trust for the people, and that Ministers are ultimately responsible to the people themselves for the exercise of those powers. (Cheers.) Freedom such as under other circumstances would be a danger to the State we enjoy under our wellbalanced constitution. May we ever cherish it, and be worthy of it. In the hour of trial and of danger may we never falter, but preserve our independence and our civil and religious liberty all over the world, rallying round our old flag, and trusting in our old watchword of God save the Queen." (Loud cheers.) Sir HENRY PARKES, whose appearance was greeted with much cheering, said: Your Excellency, my lords, ladies, and gentlemen, it is desired that I should say a few words on this memorable occasion. We are about to unveil the statue of our Queen, that Queen who has reigned over the best part of our existence; the 50 years which have marked her reign are the 50 years of which we are most proud. (Hear, hear.) During that half century we have done all the work of building up a great free nation, where all the men are equal in the southern hemisphere. (Cheers.) Will you allow me to refer to an incident in my own life in the words I have to say to you? Fifty years ago I, then a friendless lad, wrote a few words on the Queen's accession to the throne, and, if you will permit me, I will read those words now rather than make a speech. (Cheers.) Remember, it was 50 years ago, and, probably, there are very few men living who gave expression to their opinion upon this glorious reign so long back as that. Well, my words are these: High-destined daughter of our country, thou Who sitt'st on England's throne in beauty's morning! Daily behold new light thy name adorning; So may'st thou trust thy people's love for thee, success than any living Sovereign; and if we look back on the history of our country we see no name, not excepting the great Elizabeth herself, which is more entitled to reverence and to the deep love of her subjects as a constitutional Sovereign than Queen Victoria. (Cheers.) The statue we unveil is a fit emblem of this auspicious time. She has presided over the destinies of our Empire throughout our creation as a nation, she gave us our great free institutions, and she has infused into the progress of the world a spirit of liberality and high thought which no Sovereign has ever intused before. I shall say no more, but I join with every loyal man here in the prayer that God may bless the Queen of the British Empire. (Great cheering.) The over. Then without further delay Lady Carrington_performed the auspicious ceremony, and the Royal Standard. in which the statue was draped, dropped off, ran up a line, and waved in the breeze. statue was unveiled, and the ceremony was As soon as the multitude beheld her Majesty's form loyal cheers resounded in the place, and there was great enthusiasm. A salute of 21 guns was fired by the Permanent Artillery from the Domain. A thousand or more school children sang "* God save the Queen" under the baton of Herr Hugo Alpen, and Lord Carrington called for twice three cheers for her Majesty, and met with a hearty response. Mr. Lackey called for three cheers for Lord Carrington and one for Lady Carrington, and it is almost needless to say that these were most cordially given. The Governor and his party then moved off slowly, while the bands played the National Anthem. DISPERSION OF THE CROWD. Scarcely had the ceremony been completed and the last notes of the National Anthem died way when a slight shower of rain began to tall, as if to add an unrehearsed effect to the programme by christening her Majesty's statue. A few umbrellas were put up; but, otherwise, the vast crowd scarcely seemed to notice the shower, and it was only by slow and imperceptible degrees that they melted away in the most orderly manner into the surrounding thoroughfares of College-street, King-street, Macquariestreet, and Hyde Park. THE POLICE AND THE TRAFFIC. In anticipation of the great crush, the heads of the Police 'Department took time by the forelock, and perfected their arrangements admirably. During the past few days members of the detective forces of the sister colonies had arrived in the metropolis, with a view to watching a number of criminals from their particular districts who are known to have temporarily taken up quarters in Sydney, and these officers, with the local staff of plain-clothes men, kept a keen lookout for offenders. Inspector-General Fosbery, with the majority of his principal officers and very large relays of constables, was upon the ground, and orders had been so arranged, and the men were so placed, that the utmost order prevailed. RAILWAY AND TRAM ARRANGEMENTS. The number of persons who availed themselves of the tram service as a means of transit yesterday was very large, although not the largest that has been registered. In the forenoon the traffic inwards to the city was very great, necessitating the employment of several additional trams, which were run on the principal lines to meet the requirements of the public. During the afternoon the strain wore off somewhat, but towards evening it again revived, although not to the same extent as during the morning. The number of passengers who arrived by train at Redfern Station was unusually large. All the various suburban trains conveyed large crowds of people from the different stations along the lines, and the trains from the country were packed with visitors to participate in or witness the Centennial celebrations and festivities. THE STREETS. Visitors to Sydney-and, judging from appearances, there are an extraordinarily large number-must have been considerably surprised at the manner in which of the character the principal streets was altered in a few hours yesterday. Early in the morning preparations on an extensive scale were commenced in George-street, and the result was that in a short time it presented quite a gala appearance. Bunting was flying in all directions from verandahs to many feet above the loftiest buildings. The most attractive feature in the transformation was the lines of gay banners and bannerets. These were extended on bright-coloured poles at a uniform the height along verandahs, and extended on both sides of the street from Park-street almost to the foot of the northern end of the street. Each pole is surmounted by a banneret, and below that there is a shield bearing a coat of arms either colonial or Imperisl, from which extend three flags representing either the colonies, Britain. France, Germany, or other Powers with which Australia has been brought into commercial relations. The private display of flags from the principal buildings from the Haymarket round to Miller's Point presented a bright and attractive appearance. The most effective display of bunting was to be ssen on landing at Circular Quay. The various ship ping offices, consular offices, Exchange, Government buildings, and warehouses along Pitt-street, &c., had their distinctive bunting, which all became merged as if the display was an individual one. The pedestrian and vehicular traffic was very heavy during the earlier part of the day, and in some parts of George and Pitt streets the foot passengers, omnibuses, and cabs all appeared to be so mixed up that the wonder was that there were not many accidents to record. With the excep a tion of the vehicles which had fixed routes, the traffic all seemed bound for one point-the Queen's statue. There was no abatement in the crush between King and Hunter streets till near noon, when there was a slight lull. After the ceremony of unveiling the statue, although there was a great crush into the heart of the city by way of King and Hunter streets, it did not last long, as the majority of the spectators completed the day's outing by visits to the Gardens and parks, and by harbour excursions. Matters in the principal thoroughfares were fairly quiet till towards evening, and then steady stream poured into George and Pitt streets from all directions. Residents of Paddington and the more eastern suburbs had an extra attraction on their way to the city in the elaborate preparations which are being made in Oxford-street. The frameworks of three arches have been completed, and two of these are almost complete as far as covering with greenery and affixing mottoes suitable to the occasion. As all the shops were open, and the wares set off to the best advantage with the aid of gas jets, the street presented a more than usually lively appearance. The footways, and also the road in some places, were crowded with pedestrians up to a late hour. Going through Hyde Park, the extensive preparations which were being made for a brilliant display to-night were subject of comment and pleasant anticipation. George-street, however, was the great centre of attraction, and to that important thoroughfare the people flocked in thousands." street was brilliantly lighted by a combination of street lamps, illuminations, and the gas jets used to set off the wares in the various shops. Starting from Devonshire-street and working northward, the street on both sides and on the roadway was fully occupied by a crowd which was of the most orderly character. street seemed to be the principal resort of the visitors, and seldom has such a series of attractions been presented to the stranger. The illuminations were few, but the display in the shop windows proved sufficient to take a rapid survey of on one night. THE HARBOUR. The This In all matters affecting the city of Sydney, whether of business or pleasure, the harbour plays are an important part; and it was only to be expected that on the opening of the Centennial celebrations yesterday Port Jackson would assume that attractive appearance for which it is noted. The vessels in port displayed the usual bunting, composed of ensigns and house flags, and from the different points and prominent houses along the shores of the harbour the colonial ensign and national flags of Old England were flying. From an early hour in the morning it was apparent that events of more than usual importance were to take place ashore, judging from the number of passengers conveyed to Sydney by the ferry steamers and the various harbour steamers. The stream of passengers kept up till about 11 o'clock, and then there was a lull till after the luncheon hour, when the favourite seaside resorts were patronised. The North Shore, Neutral Bay, Balmain, and other ferry steamers were busily occupied during the evening and night in conveying excursionists homewards and taking intending sightseers to the city. Although there was a very large traffic there was no accident of any kind. LADY CARRINGTON'S RECEPTION. At 4 Lady Carrington held a reception at Government-house yesterday afternoon. The weather was cool and pleasant, and though it was one of those grey days which we have not infrequently in Sydney, the Gardens looked bright and beautiful, apparently suffering little, through the sun's rays being modified and softened, so as not to be felt. o'clock carriages and cabs in long and continuous lines could be seen coming from all directions, and passing along Macquarie-street to the Domain. At the gates of Government-house there was already at this hour a crowd of spectators. Inside, the vehicles were so numerous that their occupants alighted from them long before they reached Government-house, and made their way thither on foot. The arrangements made for the vehicular traffic were good. The road next to Macquarie-street was set apart for carriages entering, and the road on the other, or Farm Cove side, was for those going outwards. The traffic was so great, however, and came with such a rush, that there was a standstill for a long time. Hence, though it was not altogether necessary to alight from their carriages before reaching Government-house, many did so, simply to avoid having to wait. The hall at Government-house was densely crowded by ladies and gentlemen, who made but slow progress-perhaps one step forward every minute. Always advancing a little, they passed on to the narrow passage leading to the drawingroom, got through in closely-packed lines of five or six deep, and finally succeeded in arriving at the door leading on to the colonnade, where they were announced by the private secretary (Captain Wallington), and courteously received by Lady Carrington and Lord Carrington. This stream of visitors continued for 1 hour and 20 minutes incessantly, during which time, of course, Lady Carrington remained on her feet without any rest whatever. It may easily be understood that we are not exaggerating when we say there must have been nearly 3000 ladies and gentlemen present. What a formidable task to shake hands with each and every one of these! Before reaching the colonnade strains of music were heard, and all seemed merry. This was trying to the patience of the ladies, who were compelled to move slowly on through the hall. Most of them passed the time away chatting about the unveiling of the statue and admiring the pictures in the hall-notably, one of Lady Carrington. The scene from the verandah was very fine. A sparkling fountain first caught the eye, and away out through the vista of the foliage was Bradley's Head boldly projecting itself, and intermediate the waters of the harbour, with a bright sheen on their surface, buoying up the French warship Duchaffant and many smaller craft. This was a view that made many of the intercolonial visitors strike a posture of admiration, and they got nearer and nearer to the environs of the Gardens, until they beheld the steamer Lucinda, other boats, and much of the harbour not before visible. The Gardens, which are nicely laid out and descend in a series of terraces, looked well indeed. The lawns were green, the shrubs were green, and the flowers blooming and healthy. Chairs were placed in convenient spots in and around the fountain, and in fact on all the lawns in the vicinity. On the lowermost lawn a marquee was erected for the service of light refreshment. The band of the South Australian Militia and the band of the local permanent forces played popular selections of music throughout the afternoon, and made the promenade still more enjoyable. The atmosphere of the place was full of merry sounds that were only rivalled by the merry faces. The ladies, who were in the majority, showed no extravagance in their dress. Plain white costumes were rather numerous, and though there were also many shades of the Centennial blue, there was such a diversity of colour generally that it would be difficult to name the predominating one. The study of the vast assemblage was quite interesting. Never before was there such a gathering at Government-house. It represented various ranks of society, almost all nations, and all creeds. Both princes of the Church and of the State were present-the Primate of Australia and some of the Anglican Bishops, the Cardinal and many of his bishops, the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia and suite, and the Earl of Carnarvon, and most of the intercolonial Governors were there amongst other distinguished persons. The reception assumed the character of a garden party, and great sociality prevailed. All seemed to have enjoyed themselves well, and the greater part remained till nearly 6 o'clock. Many of the ladies expressed sympathy with Lady Carrington, whom they said must have been quite exhausted had the weather been hot. As in a great many instances no cards were presented, we are unable to give more than a small proportion of the names of those present, and these only the more prominent visitors. There were present: The Earl and Countess of Carnarvon; Sir H. B. Loch, Governor of Victoria; Sir Wm. Fitzherbert, representative of New Zealand; Sir A. Musgrove, Governor of Queensland; Sir W. Robinson, Governor of South Australia; Sir R. Hamilton, Governor of Tasmania; Sir Frederick N. Broome, Governor of Western Australia; Sir Charles Mitchell, ex-Governor of Fiji; the Duke of Manchester; the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia and suite; the captain of the Russian ship Rynda; Sir Henry Parkes; Sir John Robertson; the Hons. James Inglis, Minister of Education; W. Clarke, Minister of Justice; B. R. Wise, AttorneyGeneral; J. F. Burns, Colonial Treasurer, New South Wales; Sir Samuel Griffith, Premier of Queensland; the Hons. T. Playford, Premier; J. G. Ramsay, Chief Secretary; C. C. Kingston, Attorney-General; J. C. F. Johnson, Minister of Education, South Australia; Sir James Macbain, President of the Legislative Council; the Hons. M. H. Davies, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly; Colonel F. T. Sargood, M.L.C.; James Balfour, M.L.C.; F. T. Derham, PostmasterGeneral, Victoria; Dr. Brownless, Chancellor Melbourne University; the Chief Justices of New South Wales and South Australia; the Mayors of Melbourne, Adelaide, and Hobart; the Primate and the Bishop of Riverina; the Cardinal, the Archbishop of Melbourne, and the Bishops of Adelaide, Sale, and Brisbane; the Moderator of the Presbyterian Assembly, Victoria; Colonel C. F. Roberts, Captain Bouverie, Colonel Wells, Major Haiming Lee, Colonel French, of Queensland, and other military officers; Mons. E. M. Paul, Consul for Russia; Captain A. Gray, acting Consul-General for the Netherlands; Mr. W. H. Eldred, Consul-General of Chile; Major-General Sussex C. Milford, and Le Chevalier V. Marano, Italian Consul. In most cases the gentlemen named were accompanied by their ladies. PUBLIC MEETING AT ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL. A meeting of the Roman Catholics of the arch-diocese of Sydney was held in St. Mary's Cathedral yesterday evening, in connection with the Centennial celebrations, for the purpose of inaugurating a movement for the completion of this sacred cdifice. The vast building was filled in every part with a large and fashionable audience, and the sanctuary, which was temporarily used as a platform, was occupied by a number of the leading Catholic clergy, several distinguished visitors to the colony, and many leading citizens. Amongst those on the platform were-His Excellency Lord Carrington, Sir Henry Loch, Governor of Victoria; Sir W. C. Robinson, Governor of South Australia; Sir Anthony Musgrave, Governor of Queensland; Sir F. N. Broome, Governor of Western Australia; Sir Charles Mitchell, ex-Governor of Fiji; Sir Robert Hamilton, Governor of Tasmania; Monsigneur Rigny, Arch-priest Sheehy; Dr. Carroll, Vicar-general: Archbishop Reynolds, Archbishop Dunne, Bishop Murray, Bishop Byrne, Bishop Lanigan, Bishop Teoreggiani, Bishop Doyle, and Bishop Corbett; Dr. O'Haran; the Hon. M. H. Davies, Speaker of the Victorian Assembly; Hon. J. G. Duffy, M.L.C., Victoria; Mr. Highett, M.L.A., Victoria; Sir Ed. Strickland, K.C.B., Right Hon. W. B. Dalley, P.C., Sir Patrick Jennings, Hon. N. Fitzgerald, M.L.C. Vict., his Honor Mr. Justice Faucett, Judge Casey, Victoria, Messrs. Slattery, M.L.A., Dalton, M.L.A., O'Connor, M.L.A., O'Mara, M.L.A., and Critchett Walker, Alderman Crisp, M.L.A., Mayor and Alderman Dillon, of Hobart. His Excellency the Governor presided, and Cardinal Moran occupied the seat on his right hand, the Governors of the various colonies being placed on either side. Their Excellencies, on arrival at the Cathedral, were received with immense applause, the organ playing a grand march as they walked up the aisle. Their Excellencies were accompanied by the following staff:-Lord Bertie, Major Gascoigne, Major Phillimore, Captain Pritchard, and Captain Keith - Falconer. Cardinal MORAN, in opening the proceedings, said that before their regular meeting commenced this evening he would ask a few moments to thank his Excellency the Governor and the Governors of the other colonies for the great honour they had conferred on the whole Catholic body by their presence amongst them on that most auspicious occasion. (Applause.) The special purpose for which they had met was to start an organisation for the completion of some portion at least of that stately cathedral. (Applause.) The whole Catholic body took the deepest interest in everything connected with St. Mary's, and the reason was that St. Mary's was the mother church, not of Sydney, not of New South Wales alone, but of all the Australias. (Applause.) Its beginnings were made in sad and dismal times. In those days it seemed to this fair colony of Australia that it was spellbound in a dreary winter of bondage and of bigotry, and the foundations of the rising structure were watered with the tears of the sorrowing exiles of those times; and even when the structure began to arise in stately proportions, even then it had its difficulties to contend against. (Applause.) The foundation-stone was laid by one of his Excellency's predecessors, as Governor of this colony, at the close of October in the year 1821. Some 20 years later a visitor to the church, in recording his impressions of the building, said that the pillars which supported the roof were giant cedars hewn in the forests of Illawarra; that they stood there in all their solidity of construction, but at the same time in all their crudeness and roughness. But perhaps the solidity of these cedars was a fitting symbol that the Catholic Church in those days was solid in its strength, though still in its outward aspect 80 rude and so uncomely. A few years later, the structure, when almost completed, was in a few hours nearly reduced to ashes by the devouring element of fire, and some years afterwards the same fate befel the second structure. It seemed indeed then as if all hopes were blighted; but the contrary resulted. One of the most noteworthy results of that sad catastrophe was the sympathy, the wonderful sympathy which that disaster evoked from every class and from every denomination in the community. (Cheers.) Perhaps there had been no single event from the foundation of the colony to that day which so united and blended together every class, and every condition, and every denomination of people throughout these colonies(Applause) as did that sad catastrophe which betel St. |