Summary

Photographer: George Rose, Melbourne.

Two identical sepia stereographic views mounted on thick brown card, showing the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York walking to their carriage after leaving the Royal Yacht at Port Melbourne. The Duke and Duchess visited Melbourne to open 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 Butter Arch erected on Collins Street 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 resembles battlements and flags fly from each turret. In the centre are the six shields representing each State. In the background, flags decorating Collins St are visible and a tram is coming along the street.

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