Summary

Glass negative stereograph showing the Fiji Armed Native Constabulary and the New Zealand Scottish Regiment participating in the Flemington Military Review. It is part of the G. H. Myers Collection which consists of 73 photographs taken by Godfrey Henry Myers, an electrician and amateur photographer, in Melbourne during May 1901. 72 of these photographs depict preparations for the celebrations that surrounded Federation; all but one are glass stereographs. This collection represents Myers' one venture into commercial photography. It is significant for its images of the crowds, which do not feature so prominently in commercial photographs. The remaining photograph is a family portrait.

The opening of the Australian Parliament on May 9 1901 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

Fiji Armed Native Constabulary and New Zealand Scottish Regiment, Flemington Military Review, Federation Celebrations, Melbourne May 1901. The only conscripted military body in the British Empire, Fijians served as lieutenant officers. Their uniform included a white tapa cloth reaching to the knee, their reddened hair uncovered by cap or helmet. Marching in front of the Fiji Armed Native Constabulary is the New Zealand Scottish Regiment in full kilt uniform.

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