Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Thursday 10 June 1897, page 5


ACTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL.

The Dean of Sydney wrote stating that in con-nection with the record reign celebration the follow-ing services had been provided for by the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral :— On the 20th June there would be a service of thanksgiving. A sermon would be preached by the Bishop of Bathurst. In the afternoon of the same day there would be a thanksgiving service. On Tuesday morning there would be a special service in the Cathedral. It would be gratifying to the Cathedral Chapter if the Mayor and members of the council would be present in their official capacity on the Sunday or on the Tues-

day, or both. Should the invitation be accepted

seats would be reserved for those who attended.

Alderman Lees moved,— "That the invitation be accepted."

Alderman Landers seconded the motion.

Alderman Waine said they accepted the ínvi-tation all the aldermen should attend. He would not be able to go on Tuesday, because he would be on parade.

Alderman Taylor said he could not go. Let all who could go do so.

Alderman John Harris suggested that those who could go should notify the fact and the proper num-ber of seats could be set apart.

Alderman M. Harris pointed out that the invita-tion was for either Sunday or Tuesday. If the aldermen could go on the Sabbath it would be

better.

After further discussion it was decided to accept the invitation for the Sunday service, and to appear in morning dress with a lace tie.

Alderman Jessep asked the Mayor whether, in view of the record reign celebrations he would give the men in the city a fortnight's good work.

The Mayor said that would only be another way of distributing charity, and he could not undertake

to do it.

Alderman M. Chapman moved,-" That, in ac-cordance with the recommendations of the finance committee, the report of the committee appointed by the council to report upon the question of cele-brating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, recommending as follows, be adopted (a) That the Town Hall be illuminated, and that a sum not exceeding £250 be voted for the purpose, (b) that the tender of Messrs, Edge and Edge in the sum of £193 10s for carrying out the work be accepted, subject to such additions, &c, as may be arranged by the city architect upon suggestions of the committee within the limits of the amount prescribed ; c) that the roadway at the top of King-street, between the James's Church and the District Court and Macquarie-street and Hyde Park, be named and hereafter known as Queen's Square; (d) that the roadway at the top of Wil-liam-street, being the junction of Victoria-street and Darlinghurst-road and William-street and Upper William-street, be named and hereafter known as Queen's Cross; (e) that the proposal (notice of which has been given for consideration this day) to name the new markets, George street, 'The Queen Victoria Market Buildings', be ap-proved. "

The motion was agreed to.

Alderman Sir W. P. Manning moved,—" (a) That in order to mark in a fitting manner the unpre-cedented and glorious reign of her Majesty the Queen, so fruitful in blessings to the British people in every land, the council hereby resolves to dedi-cate the new market buildings, now in the course completion in George-street, Sydney, New South Wales, in commemoration of the event, and to name them 'The Queen Victoria Market Buildings.' (b) That the assent of her Most Gracious Majesty be respectfully sought through his Excellency the Governor to the above proposals." He said that the council could not be accused of undue adulation in recognising the blessings that had fallen upon the British people during the Queen's reign. He did not say that the credit of it all was due to the Queen

but the time was one when a great people might pause and look back on the past 60 years, which would be so memorable in English history. Had it not been for the consideration her Majesty had shown for the wishes of the people much of the development of the past 60 years would not have taken place.

Alderman M. Harris seconded the motion, but said he did not think it necessary to ask the assent of the Queen.

Alderman Smail said they were getting too much of Queen Victoria as far as naming places was con-cerned. They were getting too much of the grovel

business.

Alderman Jessep asked what on earth was to be gained by asking the Queen's assent, which if given would make it necessary to have the Royal Coat of Arms on the building.

Sir W. P. Manning withdrew the second part of of the motion, which was adopted, as amended.