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4. From Albany to Perth, a distance of 340 miles, the railway was practically decorated from one end to the other; the stations were festooned with the beautiful wild flowers of the country; and at various stopping places the people assembled to extend to me, as the Queen's representative, a kind and loyal welcome. While we travelled by night, the line was illuminated by bonfires a mile and a half apart, and the whole scene was picturesque and interesting in the extreme. The arrangements made by the Great Southern Railway Company, as also on the Government line, were excellent in every respect.
5. The newspapers which I enclose will supply such further details as have been published up to date. My remarks at the moment of proclaiming the New Constitution, being of a more formal and official character, are separately attached to this Despatch.
I have, &c.,
The Right Honourable
Lord Knutsford, G.C.M.G.,
&c., &c., &c.,
[enclosure.]
His Excellency, who on rising to reply was received with loud cheers, said:— Mr. Mayor and gentlemen: The most notable day which has yet occurred in the history of Western Australia has arrived. Up to the present time your affairs have been largely controlled from Downing Street, and though I, for one, am of opinion that the guardianship has been wisely and kindly administered, I rejoice with you all in that you have now attained your majority and are about to enter on the cherished birthright of Englishmen, namely, the management of your own domestic affairs. (Cheers.)
It is unnecessary to recapitulate on this occasion the many benefits which may be expected to follow on the change of Constitution. It is sufficient for me to express the hope that your highest anticipations may be realised, and that while ever remaining, as you are to-day, one of the most loyal sections of the Empire, the principles of self-government may be so administered as to promote in the heart of every citizen those sentiments of manly independence, self-respect, and true patriotism which alone can purify political life and make a community great. In the old country all hearts are in sympathy with you on this auspicious occasion. The Queen herself was graciously pleased to express to me the warmest interest in your welfare; her Ministers wish you well; politicians watch with interest the extension of Parliamentary Government which is now taking place; thousands of intending settlers, attracted by recent discussions and events, are probably at this moment turning their attention to your shores; and last, but not least, we have the sympathy and good-will of our friends and neighbours in the Eastern Colonies, whose support and assistance were so valuable to us in connection with the recent change, and who see in that change a further step towards the ultimate political federation of Australasia. In order not to detain you at too great length, I beg for the moment to thank you, in one, for the addresses which you have so kindly presented to me. Separate replies will be forwarded in due course, and in the meanwhile, will you accept my assurance that I highly appreciate the terms in which you have been so
good as to address me, and that I heartily reciprocate the good wishes which you have expressed. (Loud cheers.)
[TELEGRAMS.]
From His Excellency the Governor of South Australia.
Adelaide, 18th October, 1890.
Hearty congratulations on your arrival in the Colony. Warmest wishes for its success under Constitutional Government.
From His Honor the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Victoria.
Melbourne, 20th October, 1890.
Sincere congratulations to Western Australia on being granted Responsible Government, and best wishes to yourself on being again appointed Governor of that Colony.
