Item SH 960826 Stereograph - Federation Celebrations, Chinese Procession & Chinese Arch, Melbourne, Victoria, 1901

Summary

Photographer: George Rose, Melbourne.

Two almost identical sepia stereographic views mounted on thick brown card. The images show the Chinese Arch erected on Swanston St in honour of the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York for the opening of the first Federal Parliament on 9 May 1901.

The opening of the Australian Parliament was an occasion for great celebrations in Melbourne. Ten days of festivities (from 6-16 May) were planned to mark the Federation of the new nation and honour the Royal visitors, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. The city was transformed with decorations - flags, bunting, colourful lights and festive arches - and a series of public events were held, including a military tattoo and several street parades. Unprecedented numbers of people arrived in Melbourne from the rest of Victoria and throughout Australia to take part in the celebrations.

Description of Content

The Chinese Arch erected on Swanston St in honour of the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York for the opening of the first Federal Parliament on 9 May 1901. The Arch is very elaborate in a traditional style, and decorated with banners, flags and lanterns. A Chinese procession lead by a traditional Chinese dragon, with attendants in traditional dress, is passing underneath the arch.