Item SH 960836 Stereograph - Federation Celebrations, Duke of Cornwall & York Inspecting the Troops, Flemington, Victoria, 1901

Summary

Photographer: George Rose, Melbourne.

Two almost identical sepia stereographic views mounted on thick brown card. The images depict an inspection of troops at Flemington Racecourse by the Duke of Cornwall and York on 10 May 1901. The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York were in Melbourne for the opening of 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

An inspection of troops at Flemington Racecourse by the Duke of Cornwall and York on 10 May 1901. Uniformed troops in slouch hats stand in rows along the race track. On the spectator side of the railing, two men in military attire with plumed helmets sit on horse back.