Summary

Note: This object includes derogatory depictions of First Nations people. Such depictions are not condoned by Museums Victoria which considers them to be racist. Historical distance and context do not excuse or erase this fact.

The catalogue was published in 1934 by Ramsay Publishing Pty Ltd, 197-207 King St, Melbourne, for the All-Australian Exhibition held at the Exhibition Building in Melbourne between October 13 and November 10, 1934. The Exhibition was conducted by the Victorian Chamber of Manufactures and the Australian Natives' Association, in connection with the Victorian Centenary.

The Australian Natives' Association was established in Melbourne in 1871 as a non-partisan and non-sectarian friendly society for Australian-born, white men seeking to shape Australia's nationhood and identity. The ANA was a strong advocate for Federation and became an advocate for White Australia. It was a staunch supporter of trade protection and immigration restriction, and Prime Minister Alfred Deakin was a member.

Physical Description

Official souvenir catalogue, yellow cover, 97 pages. The front cover has a black and white photograph of the city of Melbourne in 1934 and coloured hand drawn illustrations representing 'progress' in Victoria between 1834 and 1934. The first shows white settlers invading, guns in hand, while First Peoples crouch in the background. The second drawing shows an industrial factory with the chimneys belching smoke. Inside, the catalogue has information on Victorian pioneers, Victorian industry and a full list of exhibitors. Advertisements throughout.

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