Summary

Australia Queensland Brisbane
1877 (AD)
Mint: Sydney?
Awarded to: T. Robinson & Co.
Other Details: The National Agricultural and Industrial Assocation of Queensland awarded this medal for a woolpress to T. Robinson and Co., Melbourne-based agricultural implement makers and importers. Their products included farm machinery, wine and wool presses. The National Agricultural and Industrial Assocation of Queensland was formed only two years before it awarded this medal. The Association was conceived in Brisbane as a national organization representing all aspects of Queensland society. This was reflected in the makeup of the first Council, including graziers, merchants, lawyers and a teacher. Bowen Park was chosen as a site for showgrounds in January 1876. It consisted of 6.8 ha., bounded by Bowen Bridge Rd and Gregory Tce. The first show was called 'The Intercolonial Exhibition of of 1876' and was held 22-26 August. Admission was fized at 2/6 for adults for the first half of the show and one shilling thereafter. A public holiday was declared and the show proved a triumph, and was held each year from that time onwards. On the opening day alone 17,000 people attended, when Brisbane's population was only 22,000. The first actual 'Royal Brisbane Show' was held in 1921, when the Association was granted the prefix 'Royal' under warrant from His Majesty King George V. The showgrounds today encompass an area of 22 ha. The Royal Queensland Show is now called 'Ekka'.

Obverse Description

At centre a steam traction engine above a horse within wreath of vine and wheat etc; above, NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL & INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND

Reverse Description

Crowned bust of Victoria above shield inscribed, T. Robinson & Co. / FOR / Woolpress / 1877; within wreath of vines and wheat.

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

The National Agricultural and Industrial Assocation of Queensland was formed only two years before it awarded this medal. The Association was conceived in Brisbane as a national organization representing all aspects of Queensland society. This was reflected in the makeup of the first Council, including graziers, merchants, lawyers and a teacher. Bowen Park was chosen as a site for showgrounds in January 1876. It consisted of 6.8 ha., bounded by Bowen Bridge Rd and Gregory Tce. The first show was called 'The Intercolonial Exhibition of of 1876' and was held 22-26 August. Admission was fized at 2/6 for adults for the first half of the show and one shilling thereafter. A public holiday was declared and the show proved a triumph, and was held each year from that time onwards. On the opening day alone 17,000 people attended, when Brisbane's population was only 22,000. The first actual 'Royal Brisbane Show' was held in 1921, when the Association was granted the prefix 'Royal' under warrant from His Majesty King George V. The showgrounds today encompass an area of 22 ha. The Royal Queensland Show is now called 'Ekka'. -Royal Queensland Show web site http://www1.ekka.com.au/about/history.html; Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland. -D. Tout-Smith 2/12/2003.

The Queensland Museum holds two other National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland medals designed by Capner, dated 1878 and 1879, both awarded for saddlery (N-6648-0 and N-6649-0). -D. Tout-Smith 6/1/2004.

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