Presented to Australian school children on the opening of the First Federal Parliament in May 1901. The opening of Parliament was attended by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwell and York. The Australian states became a Federation during the reign of Queen Victoria, however by the time Parliament opened, Edward VII had ascended the throne.Gilt bronze medal, in shape of shield, with crown at top. Obverse of medal has portraits of Queen Victoria and King Edward VII, and wording "Aust. Commonwealth Est 1 Jan 1901 / 63D. of Victoria, R. I. / First Parliament Opened May 1901-1st of Edward V11". Reverse of medal has portraits of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, and wording "Opening of the First Federal Parliament / TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cornwell and York / Melbourne, May 1901".medals, australian federation 1901, parliament of australia

Thomas Langdon (1832-1914) was born in Somerset, England and came to Australia in 1853. He started in Bendigo as a miner and carter before beginning farming at Laanacoorie. He married twice; Esther Temlett in 1855 and Sarah Coventry in 1862. He was elected to the Marong Shire Council in 1871 and went on to become a member of the Victorian parliament. He was the Member for Avoca and later Korong. In 1907 he was the Minister for Labour.Black leather folder, 5 pages inside. On front of folder in gold print ' In Memoriam. The Honorable Thomas Langdon, Chairman of Committees of the Legislative Assembly' Inside, first page: In Memoriam, The Honorable Thomas Langdon, M.L.A., member of the Legislative Assembly for - The Avoca District from 1880 - 1889; The Korong District from 1892 - 1914. Died 27th May, 1914. Following pages cite extracts from the minutes of the Lagislative Council that discuss Thomas Langdon's passion and significance in representing his constituents in Parliament. His passing is noted. 'Wednesday June 24 1914' The One. W.L. Baiullieu ' it is with much regret that I have to propose the following motion 'that this House desires to place on record its deep regret at the death of the Honorable Thomas Langdon .....'person, government, thomas langdon