Singleton Argus (NSW : 1880 - 1954), Saturday 31 May 1913, page 1


CROSSING THE BLUE MOUN TAINS.

Centenary Celebrations.

The celebrations of the crossing of the Blue Mountains took place in glorious weather at Mount Victoria on Wednes day.

For some days previous great prepara-tions had been made by the board of control, and the various mountain cen-tres along the line had been busy decor-ating their stations and public buildings. Blaxland was decorated in honour of the senior member of the intrepid three; Springwood was gay with ferns and bunt-ing; Hazelbrook also took pride of place; while Lawson and Wentworth each vied to outrival the other. Ka-toomba was a mass of flags, whilst at Medlow the Premier laid the stone of the drinking fountain to be erected by the subscriptions of the residents of the locality. Blackheath, too, was gay, but the principal locality was Mount Vic-toria. At an early hour, special train after train emptied its living freight as visitors from east and west assembled to, pay homage to the memory of the men who were primarily responsible for the prosperous expansion of the colony. Spe-cial trains arrived bringing in the con-tingents,of school children from Port-land on the west to Parramatta on the east. Every school was represented, and a goodly sight was presented as they marched in serried ranks up to the Vic-toria Park, in which, the Governor sub-sequently addressed them.

The Governor, who was met by Mr. Frank Walker, president of the centen-ary committee, arrived about. 10.30. a.m., and after an inspection of cadets he dedi-cated the Victoria Park and officially named it. Concerted pieces from a school choir of nearly 1500, under the baton of Mr. A. E. Reay, Lithgow High School, with Mr. W. Laws, deputy-con ductor, sung various patriotic songs. Addressed were delivered by his Excel lency and the Minister for Public In struction.

The official luncheon was held in a marquee erected on the park. Mr. Frank Walker, the president, having the Governor on his right and Admiral Sir George King-Hall on his left. Among those, present were: Colonel Wallack, Lieutenant-colonel Luscombe, Sir-William McMillan, Sir Allan Taylor, Mr. M'Gow en, the Premier, Mr. Carmichael, Mr. Hall, Professor David, Archdeacon Boyce, Mr Holden, MLC, Mr. Dooley, M.P., Mr. Carr, M.P., Councillor J. .T. Wall '(President of the Blue Mountains Shire), Mr. Berghofer (father of the celebration movement), and other local gentlemen who had worked hard in connection with the arrangements.

Mr. Walker gave the toast, of "His Excellency the Governor," which was en thusiastically received. Sir Gerald Strickland replied, and Councillor Wall gave "The Parliament." Mr. M'Gowen made an appropriate response. Other toasts included " The Navy and Army," given by Mr. J. Ryan," and replied to by Admiral Sir George King-Hall and Col onel Wallack; and "The Centenary," pro posed by Mr. Berghofer.

The luncheon was followed by a pro cession to Mount York, where his Ex cellency unveiled the memorial stone in the new pavilion. Stirring addresses were delivered by Professor David and Sir W. M'Millan, and a return was made to Mt. Victoria.