Historical information
This publication covers the mid 1900s and relates to a period where the majority of the Australian population was engrossed with the Queen of Australia, even though her Highness did not reside on this continent. The period covered was before the great immigration insurgence from Europe.The Labour Party's "White Australian" policy was a hinderance and a barrier towards the Asian and African prospective immigrants. The motto Queen and Country was still very ingrained in the rural population. This period in Australian domestic self reliance, brought about the growing strength and very active trade union movement and their staunch support for the Tariff protection against a growing swell of imported goods. This self reliance psyche was essentially a by product of World War II, and the isolation felt by the Australian People. The Queen (royalty) was the binding force holding the British Empire together which was emphasised with her popularity when touring Australia
Queen Elizabeth's visited the MCG twice in 1954 1. to attend an assembly of ex-servicemen and women's organisations 2. to attend a Children's Display. She also visited Government House and visited Country Victoria on the Royal train from 24th Feb - 9th March.
Significance
The Kiewa Valley and all the rural areas in the region were still very much tied to the "mother land" and trade between Britain and Australia was very strong. Trade with Asian manufacturers was minimal and needed the late 1900s to see both the trade and immigration barriers fall. This book was produced during a time when the majority of Australians looked more to England for trade and companionship. The agricultural trade with England and Europe was very high and the motto of the time was "Australia grows on the sheep's back". Late 1900's saw the motto "Australia grows on the miner's back" The Queen was still very popular then which was emphasised by the large crowds which greeted her on tour. Residents of Mt Beauty including Cubs, Brownies, Scouts and Guides travelled to Benalla to see the Queen. Clare Roper was a founding member of the KVHS and attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace representing the local CWA. She has purchased this book and therefore giving this a close historical significance connection, it has good provenance and interpretive capacity.
Physical description
This hard(blue coloured) covered book contains thirty six double sided pages. Both the first and last pages (inside cover included) has the royal crest of Australia (kangaroo and emu) balancing the individual six states crests ,united under the royal crown. The first six double pages, each portraying a coloured free hand sketches of various Australian scenery enclosing the Queen's day by day and State by State itinerary. There are 115 black and white photographs and 25 coloured photographs contained in this book.
Inscriptions & markings
Third page has free hand penned signature "Clare Roper"
