Australia became a Federation on January 1st, 1901, uniting Australia's six British colonies - New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania – into States of the Commonwealth of Australia. The Government of Victoria invited 12,000 guests to attend the official celebrations for the Opening of the Federal Parliament by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Cornwall and York (later King George V). The historic occasion was held at noon on May 9th, 1901, at Melbourne's Royal Exhibition Building, the only building large enough for that number of guests. The guests represented all six states of Australia with varied connections and interests, including politics, business and industry, the arts, religion, education, and public service. In Melbourne, the occasion was followed by two weeks of celebrations. The decorative, elaborate design of the certificate-size invitation represents Australia’s colonial history and its transition to the Federated Commonwealth of Australia. The National Gallery of Australia attributes the artwork of this invitation to Australian artists Norman Lindsay (1879–1969) and John Longstaff (1861–1941) and its printing to Sands & McDougall Limited, Melbourne. The invitation has no date or location details. This invitation has the label “Mr. C Swinburne” added over an original, handwritten name. Perhaps it was a spelling correction, or a late change, with Swinburne attending in the place of another citizen. The book “Our Invited Guests An Official Directory, Melbourne, Victoria, 1901” lists all the guests, but not one has the surname SWINBURNE. There are five Warrnambool listings, eight people in all: - - MoCOBMICK, G. D., Esq., P.M., Warrnambool. - O’DOWD, The Ven. Monsignor, Warrnambool. - OPIE, C. N. T., Esq. (and Lady), Warrnambool. - OSBORNE, Hy. Wm., Esq., Shire Secretary (and Lady), Town Hall, Warrnambool. - STEVENS, Mrs. F. P., Mia Mia, Warrnambool. CHARLES GRANT SWINBURNE (1864-1934): - Charles Grant Swinburne, known as Chas.., was a prominent Warrnambool figure: a member of Toc H., the Progress Association and several other local clubs and societies. He purchased Warrnambool’s Tattersall’s Hotel in 1911 and had a booth at the 1914 Warrnambool Show. In 1891, he married Susan Jane Granter (1867-19 June 1935), daughter of Joseph Granter (1832-1879) and Ann (born Holley). Joseph had arrived in Melbourne on the famous tall ship Marco Polo in February 1856. In 1868, he was a shareholder of the Warrnambool Steam Packet Co., trading along the coast of Victoria. His portrait is among those recognised on the historic Warrnambool Pioneers Board. The invitation is nationally significant for its connection with the first Federal Parliament in May 1901, where the first federal parliamentarians were sworn in, and where the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York attended, representing the continued link with Britain. The invitation also unites a local Warrnambool businessman, Mr C Swinburne, with the 12,000 guests representing their towns and states that in 1901 became the Commonwealth of Australia. Swinburn was also married to the daughter of Joseph Granter, an early pioneer recognised on Warrnambool’s Pioneer Board. Invitation: certificate size, colour lithograph on cream card with gilt highlights. The Victorian Government invited Mr C Swinburne to celebrate the Opening of Federal Parliament by HRH the Duke of Cornwall and York, held in Melbourne. The invitation has printed drawings of figures, decorations, heraldic symbols, and gilt accents behind the central figure, on the capital letters of the message, and the Advance Australia Arms. Inscribed with a handwritten label that covers handwritten text. [The event was held at Noon, 9th May 1901, Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne.] Inscription, handwritten on a label: "Mr. C. Swinburne" Left image: [figure of Britannia holding a blue shield with three crossing red bands, standing below an oak tree] Central image, in front of a gilt circle : [symbolic female royal future with Orbe and Sceptre seated on throne, four stars around her] Right image: [young female figure representing Australia holding a scroll, standing below a flowering gum] "THE CONSTITUTION OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA" Bottom left: Combined Arms: "[Duke of Cornwall and York, Prince George Frederick Ernest Albert, Princess Alexandra, his Duchess]" Bottom centre: [six symbols representing the Coat of Arms for each state of Australia] Bottom right: Advance Australia Arms "[Shield with six symbols, between Kangaroo and Emu, and below Rising Sun'] ADVANCE AUSTRALIA"flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, invitation, certificate, mr c swinburne, government of victoria, opening of federal parliament, hrh the duke of cornwall and york, c swinburne, susan jane granter, susan jane swinburne, federal parliament, 1901, australian federation, ceremonies, politics, royal exhibition building, invited guest, britannia, orb, sceptre, advance australia arms, constitution of the commonwealth of australia, norman lindsay, john longstaff, sands & mcdougall, federation, british colonies, commonwealth of australia, charles grant swinburne, chas swinburne, c g swinburne, opening of the federal parliament, duke of cornwall and york, may 9th, tattersall’s hotel, marco polo, warrnambool steam packet co, warrnambool pioneers board, joseph granter, ann granter

Medallion: Opening of Federal Parliament Medallion. Shield shaped medallion with crown on top. Pictures of King Edward and Queen Victoria, Duke and Duchess of Cornwall with inscription. Issued to commemorate opening of 1st Federal Parliament by Duke and Duchess at Melbourne Exhibition Building, 1901. Box 625Opening of the first Federal Parliament T.R.H. The Duke and Duchess of Cornwell and York. Melbourne May 1901. Aust. Commonwealth est 1st Jan 1901 63D of Victoria R.I. First Parliament opened May 1901 1st of Edward V11 W.A. TAS. NSW. SA. QLDnumismatics, medals - commemorative, 1901.1st federal parliament opening. king edward. queen victoria.

This photograph was probably taken at the opening of the Federal Parliament in Melbourne.Not an original photograph but of interest because it shows together two 'towering' figures in Australian Light Horse history.Black and white photograph of two officers seated being Lieutenant Colonel Harry Chauvel (left) and Colonel Tom Price, May 1901. Chauvel is in light Horse uniform and Price in Victorian Mounted Rifles uniform. Both are wearing mourning bands on their sleeve, possibly mourning the recent death of Queen Victoria (22 January 1901). The photograph is laminated and is possibly an image cut from a publication. chauvel, price, light horse, vmr, melbourne, federation, uniform

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

SHIELD-SHAPED BADGE TO COMMEMORATE THE OPENING OF THE FIRST FEDERAL PARLIAMENT BY THE DUKE & DUCHESS OF CORNWALL & YORK IN MELBOURNE, MAY 1901local history, numismatics, badges, badges and tokens

This gilt bronze medal was issued to school children to commemorate the opening of the first Australian Federal Parliament which opened in Melbourne on 9 May, 1901. This item was used to commemorate an important Australian historical event.A gilt bronze medal in a shield shape with a crown at the top. On on the obverse side are images of Queen Victoria and Edward VII and an inscription. On the reverse side are images of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York and an inscription.Obverse side at top: "AUST. COMMONWEALTH/EST. 1 JAN. 1901/63D of VICTORIA, R.I". Below the images "FIRST PARLIAMENT OPENED/MAY 1902/1ST of EDWARD VII. Along the bottom rim: WA TAS NSW VIC SA QLD. Reverse side at the top:" OPENING OF THE FIRST /FEDERAL PARLIAMENT". Below the images: "T.R.H/ THE DUKE & DUCHESS OF CORNWALL/AND , MAY 1904"medallion, australian federal parliament opening, federal parliament melbourne

Commemorating the opening of the Australian Federal Parliament in 1901. Property of late Hilda Sebire as a child (1899 - 1906)Commemorative medal, gold crest shape with yellow ribbon.commemorative medals

This is a book of eighty pages with a cover containing ornamental gold scrolls and two photographs and dark green printing. The binding is green baize cloth with three metal staples. The pages contain printed text and black and white photographs.non-fictionSouvenir Booklet of the Opening of the first Commonwealth Parliament of Australiaaustralian history, australian first parliament, opening of first parliament of australia

Object. Shield shaped medal of gilt metal with crown at the top with suspension ring attached. Opening of Federal Parliament. Obverse: Across the top ''OPENING OF THE FIRST FEDERAL PARLIAMENT''. Across the bottom: ''TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall may 1901''. Centre: Imprints of Their Royal Highnesses. Reverse: ''AUST COMMONWEALTH. ENT 1 MAY 1901 83D OF VICTORIA R1, FIRST PARLIAMENT OPENING MAY 1901, 1ST OF EDWARD V11. WA TAS NSW VIC SA QLD, Imprints of KING EDWARDV11 and QUEEN ALEXANDRA''.numismatics, medals - commemorative, federal parliament medal 1901

Tickets and newspaper clippings glued to a folded sheet of cardboard comprising: Inside: 19 - MMTB Cable and Electric tram through tickets - transfer and priced, all numbered. Newspaper clipping from The Sun, 21/4/1927 - featuring a image of the opening of the Federal Parliament in Melbourne 9/5/1901 Outside: 11 - Transfer tickets for five different cable with marks to be punched for hour, date (All Dec 21). Newspaper cuttings - Photo of HMS Renown, article "Happy" Pearl leaves Eastern Hill (fire station), dated 1/8/1928, and Monday is ANZAC day.trams, tramways, tickets, cable trams, transfer tickets, parliament, mfbb, anzac day

This cup and saucer set was issued as a souvenir of the opening of the Federal Parliament in Canberra in 1927. The building was opened by Prince Albert, the Duke of York who was accompanied by Elizabeth, the Duchess of York. The Duke of York later became King George VI of England. The colonies in Australia became Federated States in 1901 and from that date to 1927 the Australian Federal Parliament sat in Melbourne. When Canberra became the capital of Australia a Parliament House building was erected at a cost of £600,000 but it is now known as Old Parliament House as the present Parliament House was opened in 1988. This cup and saucer set is of interest as a memento of an important event in Australia’s history – the creation of a capital city and the opening of the first Federal Parliament House. It will be useful for display. This is a white china cup and saucer set. Both the cup and saucer have two gold bands around the rims and are decorated with black ornamentation and the portraits of the Duke and Duchess of York contained within gold oval patterns. There is also black lettering on both objects. The name of the maker is printed on the bottoms of both objects. On both objects: ‘The Federal Parliament opened by H.R.H. The Duke of York at Canberra 1927’ ‘Foley China E.B. & Co. Made in England’ opening of federal parliament 1927, history of warrnambool

This book was published by the Municipal Association of Victoria to commemorate the inauguration of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. The addresses were made on the occasion of the Duke &​ Duchess of Cornwall &​ York's visit to Melbourne for the opening of Federal Parliament at the Royal Exhibition Buildings in Carlton Gardens on 9 May 1901.Red hard cover book with gold gilded text. federation, royalty, municipal

Souvenir medals - British Royalty and First Federal Australian Parliament. Earliest date: 1837 - 1901.Medals of Commonwealth and National significance.3 bronze medals with red/white/blue rlbbons. Presented to Wycheproof S.S. by Maurice Boyce 1877 -1978. 1. Coronation of King George v & Queen Mary, June 22nd, 1911. 2. Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee1837-1897. 3. Opening of the First Federal Parliament by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall &York, May 1901. queen victoria, duke & duchess, federal parliament

This book was published by the Municipal Association of Victoria to commemorate the inauguration of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. The addresses were made on the occasion of the Duke &​ Duchess of Cornwall &​ York's visit to Melbourne in May 1901. They were in the city for the opening of Federal Parliament which took place at the Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens on 9 May 1901. .This item is associated with the history of the Federation of Australia and is a useful research tool.Hard-covered book, red cloth, with gold impressed lettering, containing 118 pages of illustrated copies of addresses to HRH Duke of Cornwall & York and His Excellency, Earl Hopetoun, the Governor General from the Shires of Victoria (includes Orbost). The addresses are surrounded by elaborate borders containing native flowers, particularly wattle. There are alsos cenes of rural Victoria. Incised on front cover - Addresses to H.R.H. Duke of Cornwall & York and his Excellency the Gov. General, the Earl of Hopetoun from the Municipalities of Victoria.federation duke-of-cornwall speeches-addresses

This opera coat was made for Louisa Jane Cam, nee Rust, born 24/6/1873. Her parents were John Rust born in Hamburg, Germany and Jane Mc Meekin from Port Patrick, Scotland. In 1892 Louisa married John Cam the director of the Hawthorn Brick Company. It is understood Louisa wore the coat to the opening of the first Federal Parliament in the Exhibition Buildings in Melbourne in 1901.This item being an early nineteenth century opera coat has aesthetic interest. It is also important because of its provenance being worn by Louisa Cam at a significant event in Australia's history.A three quarter length Mandarin styled gold threaded brocade, lined coat dress with long sleeves. The fabric is black with gold patterns of leaves and circles. Large circles feature gold, red, yellow, pale and dark blue flower like images surrounded by gold fringes. The yolk section finishes with a small pleat over the flared bottom section. Edging around the neck is black lace. It is understood a fur collar was previously in place. The cuffs of the sleeves are pleated and have a wide frill above the pleating. The lining is pale blue silk . At the end of the sleeves the lining has hand ruched binding. Nil

These medals were issued to commemorate the opening of the first Parliament in Australia in Melbourne in May 1901. The Federation of the Australian States and Territories took place in January 1901. The Federal Parliament met in Melbourne until Canberra was established and a new Parliament House was opened in 1927. The fist Parliament in Australia was opened by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. These medals have no known local provenance and are retained for display purposes..1 This is a shield-shaped metal medal with a crown on the top. Obverse: Images of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York and printing. Reverse: Images of Queen Victoria and Edward V11 and printing. .2 as above Opening of the First Federal Parliament T.R.H The Duke & Duchess of Cornwall and York Melbourne, May 1901 Aust. Commonwealth Est. 1 Jan. 1901 First Parliament opened May 1901 63rd of Victoria R.I. 1st of Edward V11 W.A. Tas. N.S.W. Vic. S.A. Qld.

This is a commemorative medal issued to school teachers to commemorate the opening of the first Parliament of Australia, held in Victoria in 1901.this item was created to commemorate an historic event, the opening of the Australian federal Parliament, in May 1901.A shield shaped bronze medal. On one side are busts of the Duke and duchess of Cornwall and York. The other side depicts HM Queen Victoria and King Edward V11. There is a small length of red, white and blue ribbon threaded through the metal loop at the top.obverse : "AUST COMMONWEALTH / EST.1 JAN 1901 /63RD OF VICTORIA, R.I. below , FIRST PARLIAMENT OPENED /MAY 1901 / 1ST OF EDWARD V11; below, WA TAS NSW VIC QLD" reverse: "OPENING OF THE FIRST / FEDERAL PARLIAMENT below , T.R.H. / THE DUKE & DUCHESS OF CORNWALL / AND YORK / MELBOURNE MAY 1901medal australian-federation federal-parliament-australia

Photographic reproduction - sepia coloured of a three stereo pair images with details on the sides. Originals made by the Rose Stereoscopic of Melbourne. All 1901 for the Duke of York visit for the opening of Federal Parliament in Melbourne. All feature cable trams. Printed on A4 size ink-jet printer. Set of three: 1 - Duke of York Celebrations, Melbourne, The Municipal Arch, Princes Bridge - image No. 2878 2 - ditto, the Butter Arch, Collins St - image No. 2894 3 - ditto - Prahran and St Kilda Arch, The Junction - image No. 2896.trams, tramways, melbourne, royal visit, cable trams, princes bridge, collins st, st kilda junction, stereo photograph

Henry James (1860-1932) was an agent and auctioneer. Record secretary of the Snowy River Shipping company. Shire councillor. Foundation member of Butter Factory.Henry James was a prominent Orbost identity who was very much involved in the local community.Invitation to James, H. (Mr) to the opening of Federal Parliament by the Prime Minister Edmund Bartonon 9 May 1901. Framed in wood, white paper with print of the young queen on a horse holding court. Colour invitations shows a young woman with armour and sword dismounting from a white horse in front of an older woman who has a crown in front of her. Several other women look on. The room is hung with heraldic bunting and shields, including one of the Union Jack and one showing the Southern Cross. The older woman is dressed as Britannia, and her shield and trident are at rest beside her.Printed: His Majesty's Ministers of State for the Commonwealth of Australia/ request the honour of the presence of... / in the Exhibition Building, Melbourne, on Thursday, 9th May, to witness/ the Opening of the Parliament of the Commonwealth./ Edmund Barton/ Prime Minister invitation 1901 parliament james-harry federation snowy-river-shipping-company

The commemorative booklet 'Our Invited Guests for the Opening of the First Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia : An open directory of the guests invited to Melbourne, May 9th 1901' lists invitees from each Australian State. The Misses Dowling are not on this list, however the booklet does list The Hon Thomas Dowling MLC, and his "lady" from Camperdown as well as Edwin Percy Dowling esq, Shire Secretary of Camperdown. Perhaps the Misses Dowling were part of this family. While not invited to the opening of Parliament on the 9th, the guest list for later events may have been extended on other occasions.The document design has artistic and aesthetic merit. While it is not rare, it is representative of the kinds of formal designs used for the Australian Commonwealth celebrations at the time of Federation, and is in excellent condition. Such items as this invitation have local, state and national historic significance as mementoes of a key moment in Australia's history. An invitation on card to the Misses Dowling to attend an evening reception at the Exhibition Building, Melbourne, on 9 May 1901, to meet the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall as part of the celebrations of the opening of the first Federal Parliament. A figure of Britannia, in red dress and mailed vest holding a shield like the Union Jack, is on the left of the invitation; she reaches out her hand towards a younger female figure, representing Australia, who is dressed in blue and holds a shield which is white with a blue cross decorated with stars. The writing is on a scroll in the centre of the certificate, and there is a border of vines and vine leaves. The royal crest is at the base of the certificate.Printed on a banner across the top: 'IN CELEBRATION / OF THE / OPENING / PARLIAMENT of the COMMONWEALTH / OF AUSTRALIA' Printed below the banner: 'To meet Their Royal Highness / the DUKE and DUCHESS of CORNWALL & / YORK / His Majesty's / MINISTERS OF STATE FOR AUSTRALIA / have the honor to invite / [handwritten] The Misses Dowling / to an Evening Reception at the / Exhibition Building MELBOURNE, / on the 9th of May 1901, at 8 o'clock'.federation events - victoria, australian federation 1901, misses dowling - kew, royal visits, federation events - victoria, australain federation 1901, misses dowling, royal visits, melbourne exhibition building

The correspondent of the Argus on 10 May 1901 wrote: "The Parliament of the Commonwealth was opened yesterday by the Duke, of Cornwall and York, under a Commission signed by Queen Victoria and subsequently endorsed by King Edward VII. The ceremony was marked by the splendour and solemn impressiveness which befitted its historic importance. An immense assemblage of spectators, drawn mainly, of course, from this state, but in part also from each of the other federated states, and including representatives of other portions of the British Empire and of foreign powers, thronged the spacious, stately, and joyously decorated edifice. The picture was magnificent. It must have printed itself indelibly on the sensitive minds of the thousands of Australians who were privileged to behold it. We may assume that artists will reproduce it in worthy and imperishable forms, and that from generation to generation it will be familiar in the households of the Commonwealth. Our children's children, we may gladly say to-day, will not be ashamed of the function which inaugurated the self-governing rights of the southern British Nation. Nothing was omitted which could add to the grandeur and significance of the occasion. In a broad sense the proceedings were perfectly intelligible to the vast and sympathetic gathering, though the natural limits of a single human voice had to be accepted. The King's son, with his consort and the Governor-General and Lady Hopetoun by his side, and supported by the Governors of the states and other eminent personages, fulfilled his doubly-attested Commission with a simple dignity and a modest manliness altogether admirable. The ceremony was a brilliant spectacle, and, in its sentiment and suggestiveness, an inspiration to a loyal and patriotic people."The document design has artistic and aesthetic merit. While it is not rare, it is representative of the kinds of formal designs used for the Australian Commonwealth celebrations at the time of Federation, and is in excellent condition. Such items as this invitation have local, state and national historic significance as mementoes of a key moment in Australia's history. Locally, the invitation is part of a group of Federation-related items owned by Mrs Grace Tabulo, and displayed at her home - Fairyland - at 57 Malmsbury Street, KewAn invitation, mounted on card to an evening reception at the Exhibition Building, Melbourne, on 9 May 1901, to meet the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall as part of the celebrations of the opening of the first Federal Parliament. A figure of Britannia, in red dress and mailed vest holding a shield like the Union Jack, is on the left of the invitation; she reaches out her hand towards a younger female figure, representing Australia, who is dressed in blue and holds a shield which is white with a blue cross decorated with stars. The writing is on a scroll in the centre of the certificate, and there is a border of vines and vine leaves. The royal crest is at the base of the certificate. Front, printed. gold ink: "His Majesty's Ministers of State for the Commonwealth of Australia request the honour of the presence of / ****l (handwritten) / In the Exhibition Building, Melbourne, on Thursday, 9th May, 1901, to witness / the Opening of the Parliament of the Commonwealth. / Edmund Barton / Prime Minister." Front, bottom left, printed: "The Young Queen / Her hand was still on her sword hilt - the spur was still on her heel ... (and further text) KIPLING'S COMMONWEALTH ODE." Reverse: Mrs G. Tabulo, 57 Malmsbury Streetaustralia -- federation -- 1901, invitations, parliament -- opening -- 1901, grace tabulo -- fairyland -- 57 malmsbury street -- kew (vic.)

This hat belonged to Mr William Grant, Shire President of Bacchus Marsh. Mr Grant and his wife were invited to the opening of the first Federal Parliament held in the Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton, on the 9th May 1901. The opening was attended by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (later George V and Queen Mary) and 12,000 guests. Mr Grant's family were early settlers in Bacchus Marsh, and both he and his father were influential people in the town. They owned the property "Millbank". When William Grant died in 1924, his obituary in the 'Express' listed 17 public positions he held, including severaal terms as Shire President.This item has historical significance at a local, state and national level. It is representative of formal gentlemen's dress in the latter part of the 19th century/early 20th century.Gentleman's black shiny velour top hat with silk ribbon band, bound inside with leather sweat band, adjustable with silk ties. Inscription inside hat. Purple lining with gold embossing. Light canvas coated inside. Protective silver paper sweat band under leather sweat band.Inscription in gold inside hat reads "GREASE PROOF / Prize Medal" / Royal Insignia with motto "Honi soit qui mal y pense" / "VENTILATED / AND / FELT BANDED".1910, top hat, gentlemen s fashion, mr grant, velour, ninteenth century attire, skilled hatter, upper class attire, formal wear, monopoly token, president bacchus marsh shire, federation celebrations 1910, federation, owner millbank, mad hatter, opening parliament 1910, royal exhibition building, original box, greaseproof prize medal royal isignia, the sea breeze, no 5044, size 6, 7 8

The commemorative booklet 'Our Invited Guests for the Opening of the First Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia : An open directory of the guests invited to Melbourne, May 9th 1901' lists invitees from each Australian State. Mr & Mrs. J. M. Campbell are on this list, and recoded as residing at "Ramornie" 40 Pakington Street, Kew.The document design has artistic and aesthetic merit. While it is not rare, it is representative of the kinds of formal designs used for the Australian Commonwealth celebrations at the time of Federation, and is in excellent condition. Such items as this invitation have local, state and national historic significance as mementoes of a key moment in Australia's history. Locally, the invitation is part of a group of Federation-related items issued to James Maitland Campbell (and his wife). Campbell was three times mayor of Kew in the second half of the 19th Century and the owner of Ramornie in Pakington Street, one of the significant extant mansions in Kew.An invitation on card to Mr. & Mrs J. M. Campbell to attend an evening reception at the Exhibition Building, Melbourne, on 9 May 1901, to meet the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall as part of the celebrations of the opening of the first Federal Parliament. A figure of Britannia, in red dress and mailed vest holding a shield like the Union Jack, is on the left of the invitation; she reaches out her hand towards a younger female figure, representing Australia, who is dressed in blue and holds a shield which is white with a blue cross decorated with stars. The writing is on a scroll in the centre of the certificate, and there is a border of vines and vine leaves. The royal crest is at the base of the certificate.Printed on a banner across the top: 'IN CELEBRATION / OF THE / OPENING / PARLIAMENT of the COMMONWEALTH / OF AUSTRALIA' Printed below the banner: 'To meet Their Royal Highness / the DUKE and DUCHESS of CORNWALL & / YORK / His Majesty's / MINISTERS OF STATE FOR AUSTRALIA / have the honor to invite / [handwritten] Mr. & Mrs J. M. Campbell / to an Evening Reception at the / Exhibition Building MELBOURNE, / on the 9th of May 1901, at 8 o'clock'.federation -- australia -- 1901, parliament -- australia, invitations -- 1901

The correspondent of the Argus on 10 May 1901 wrote: "The Parliament of the Commonwealth was opened yesterday by the Duke, of Cornwall and York, under a Commission signed by Queen Victoria and subsequently endorsed by King Edward VII. The ceremony was marked by the splendour and solemn impressiveness which befitted its historic importance. An immense assemblage of spectators, drawn mainly, of course, from this state, but in part also from each of the other federated states, and including representatives of other portions of the British Empire and of foreign powers, thronged the spacious, stately, and joyously decorated edifice. The picture was magnificent. It must have printed itself indelibly on the sensitive minds of the thousands of Australians who were privileged to behold it. We may assume that artists will reproduce it in worthy and imperishable forms, and that from generation to generation it will be familiar in the households of the Commonwealth. Our children's children, we may gladly say to-day, will not be ashamed of the function which inaugurated the self-governing rights of the southern British Nation. Nothing was omitted which could add to the grandeur and significance of the occasion. In a broad sense the proceedings were perfectly intelligible to the vast and sympathetic gathering, though the natural limits of a single human voice had to be accepted. The King's son, with his consort and the Governor-General and Lady Hopetoun by his side, and supported by the Governors of the states and other eminent personages, fulfilled his doubly-attested Commission with a simple dignity and a modest manliness altogether admirable. The ceremony was a brilliant spectacle, and, in its sentiment and suggestiveness, an inspiration to a loyal and patriotic people."The document design has artistic and aesthetic merit. While it is not rare, it is representative of the kinds of formal designs used for the Australian Commonwealth celebrations at the time of Federation, and is in excellent condition. Such items as this invitation have local, state and national historic significance as mementoes of a key moment in Australia's history. Locally, the invitation is part of a group of Federation-related items issued to James Maitland Campbell (and his wife). Campbell was three times mayor of Kew in the second half of the 19th Century and the owner of Ramornie in Pakington Street, one of the significant extant mansions in Kew.An invitation, mounted on card for Mr & Mrs James Maitland Campbell to an evening reception at the Exhibition Building, Melbourne, on 9 May 1901, to meet the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall as part of the celebrations of the opening of the first Federal Parliament. A figure of Britannia, in red dress and mailed vest holding a shield like the Union Jack, is on the left of the invitation; she reaches out her hand towards a younger female figure, representing Australia, who is dressed in blue and holds a shield which is white with a blue cross decorated with stars. The writing is on a scroll in the centre of the certificate, and there is a border of vines and vine leaves. The royal crest is at the base of the certificate. James Maitland Campbell of ‘Ramornie’ in Pakington Street was mayor of Kew on three occasionsFront, printed. gold ink: "His Majesty's Ministers of State for the Commonwealth of Australia request the honour of the presence of / Mr & Mrs J. M. Campbell (handwritten) / In the Exhibition Building, Melbourne, on Thursday, 9th May, 1901, to witness / the Opening of the Parliament of the Commonwealth. / Edmund Barton / Prime Minister." Front, bottom left, printed: "The Young Queen / Her hand was still on her sword hilt - the spur was still on her heel ... (and further text) KIPLING'S COMMONWEALTH ODE."australia -- federation -- 1901, invitations, parliament -- opening -- 1901, james maitland campbell

Booklet contains photographs of: THH the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York; Earl of Hopetoun, Governor General, and Countess; Commonwealth Ministry; The Royal Party at Government House Melbourne; TRH the Duke and Duchess Landing at St Kilda Pier; The Mayor of Melbourne Welcoming His Royal Highness at the entrance to the City; Procession Passing down Bourke Street; Presentation of War Medals to Victorian Soldiers; The Duke of York and his Staff; St Kilda and Prahran Arch; City Arch; Procession passing Princes Bridge; Opening Ceremony at First Federal Parliament; Citizens' Arch; Queen Victoria Arch; Royal Yacht Ophir; Warships Gromoboi (Russian) and Brooklyn (USA); German Arch; Chinese Arch; State School Fete at Exhibition Building; The University Commencement; Group of Fijian Constabulary; Laying Foundation Stone, Soldiers' Memorial Ballarat; Visit to South Star Gold Mine, Ballarat; Illuminations at Princes Bridge and Flinders Street Station; Illuminations at Parliament House and Treasury; Illuminations at Town Hall and City ArchGold coloured paper cover embossed and tied with gold thread. Contains 16 pages of cream coloured paper printed in black, some with blue decorative margins.Handwritten inscription on title page: 'For the Boy from Grandfather in memory of a very happy time we spent together May 1901'duke and duchess of cornwall and york, royal visits, 1901, opening of parliament, federation arch, st kilda and prahran arch, city arch, german arch, chinese arch

NSW Mounted Rifles officer's mess dress waistcoat worn by Lieutenant William Augustine Newman (1873-1955) during the Second Boer War. Born in Campbelltown, NSW, William began working in the colonial public service at the age of eighteen. In 1899 he travelled to South Africa to fight in the Second Boer War as an officer of the 1st NSW Mounted Rifles. Returning to Australia in time for Federation on 1 January 1901, William rejoined the public service and was appointed to the original staff of Prime Minister Sir Edmund Barton, attending the first opening of Federal Parliament in Melbourne as Barton's private secretary. He went on to serve as the chief clerk of the Home Affairs Department, Commonwealth Electoral Officer for Victoria and official secretary to the Governor-General. In 1927 he was appointed Administrator of Nauru, a position he occupied until his retirement at the end of 1932. He retired to Brighton, where he lived with his family at 43 Martin Street until his death in 1955.Black NSW Mounted Rifles officer's mess dress waistcoat. Black superfine wool front, with black cotton back and cream cotton lining. The neck, front and bottom front edge are edged with gold metal lace and gold cording in an Austrian knot style. Two front pockets are edged in the same looped cording. The left front opening is edged with a row of decorative gold metal studs, with hook and eye fastenings underneath.Handwritten in pen on lining: "MESS WAISTCOAT / BOER WAR / LIEUT. NEWMAN / Gift of Mrs. D. Kelly, daughter".military uniform, nsw mounted rifles, boer war, william augustine newman

1951 was a year of celebration in Victoria. 9th May 1951 marked the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Australian Federal Parliament in 1901, which at that time met in Melbourne, Victoria. 13th November marked the Centenary of the opening of the first Victorian Parliament. Cities and towns held activities and celebrations to recognise the occasion. A "Back to Wodonga" was held from Friday 9th to Saturday 7th November 1951. Friday: Children’s Sport and Children’s Concert. Saturday: Welcome to Visitors, Official Luncheon, Gymkhana, Official Opening and Barbecue. Sunday: Church services, various denominations. Monday: Ladies’ Day (Bowls, Tennis, Croquet etc.) Afternoon Garden Parties, Boxing Tournament. Tuesday: Procession, Basket Lunch, Apex Sports Carnival, 50-50 Dance. Wednesday: Tour of district and visit to factories. Re-unions of various organisations. Thursday: All-day Street Fair and Carnival. Friday: Back to School (Higher Elementary School), Wodonga Hospital Ball. Saturday: Bonegilla Race Club meeting, Competition Sports, (Cricket, Bowls, Tennis, etc.) Farewell Parties by various organisations.This Badge is significant because it is a memento of an important community celebration in Wodonga.A small enamel badge featuring both the blue and red Australian ensigns in the centre on a white background surrounded by blue text.Around the edge; BACK TO WODONGA CELEBRATIONS 1951back to wodonga 1951, opening victorian parliament, australian federal parliament opening