Summary

Photographer: George Rose, Melbourne.

Two almost identical sepia stereographic views mounted on thick brown card. The images depict the decorated railway tower at Princes Bridge Station in honour of the visit to Australia 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

A decorated railway tower at Princes Bridge Station in honour of the visit to Australia of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York for the opening of the first Federal Parliament on 9 May 1901. The tower is decorated with bunting and flags. A large crowd is gathered around the tower.

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