Inquirer and Commercial News (Perth, WA : 1855 - 1901), Wednesday 4 June 1879, page 3


THE JUBILEE. ? ? ? The celebration of tbe Jubilee at Fremantle, held on Monday, passed off most successfully. The procession was a most brilliant affair, and included about 1,000 children, to each of whom a present was made. In the evening a Ball took place in the ' A Store,' dancing being kept up till a late hour. At Perth the Jubilee was observed yesterday. The weather, although somewhat threatening, continued fine, and the gathering was undoubtedly the largest ever seen in the metropolis, not less than 6,000 or 7,000 persons being present. The procession, headed by the City Band, moved from the Town Hall at about eleven o'clock. First in order came the aboriginal natives, about forty in number ; then the children (about 2,000), with flags and banners ; the general public following. Arrived at the site arranged for turning the first sod of the Eastern Railway, the procession filed off, the children being assembled within the enclosure. His Excellency the Governor and Lady Ord, accompanied by the Private Secretary, arrived on the ground at noon, and were received by the General Committee ; the Volunteers and Artillery firing a salute, which was followed by the children singing the National Anthem in excellent style. With the usual formalities Mr. S. H. Parker (Chairman of the City Council) invited Bis Excellency to turn the first sod of the Railway. Whereupon His Excellency lifted two spadefuls of earth, and having wheeled the borrow and emptied its contents at the end of the plank, declared the ceremony to be complete, adding bis congratulations. Several rounds of cheers were given for His Excellency, the Commissioner of Railways, and the Contractors, and the crowd dispensed. A pablic luncheon took place at the Legislative Council Chamber at one o'clock, the room being, well filled. His Excellency, whose health was proposed by the Chairman of the City Council, made a lengthy and interesting' speech, referring to all the prominent interests of the colony. Old English sports followed on the Recreation Ground, and the day's proceedings, which on the whole were highly successful, pleasing, and excellently carried out, were brought to a dose by a dance at the Town Hall in the evening, which was attended by hundreds of persons. A full report of the Jubilee celebrations will appear in our next issue.