During the 19th and early 20th Centuries there were up to half a dozen dragons performing in Victoria, including this (unknown) dragon from the 1895 Bendigo Easter Fair.

Photochemical print published in Illustrated Australian News.

Loong (Dragon) is entirely handmade and is the oldest imperial dragon in the world. He was probably first used in 1892, and took part in the procession in Melbourne to celebrate Federation in 1901; he retired in 1970. These photographs show Loong in different processions.

This image shows Loong being carried by Charlie Quan. In front with the teaser is Harry Louey Jack.

This image shows Loong parading for the first time since his retirement from the Bendigo Easter Parade in 1970. He was taken out to celebrate the opening of the Golden Dragon Museum by parading in the streets of Bendigo before retiring, once again, to his new resting place.

Left to right: George Lee Kim, unknown head carrier, Dean Beck, Roger Jack, Edsell Jack, Daniel Beck.

This image shows Loong parading around the Bendigo fountain in Pall Mall.

This is Loong’s last appearance in the festival known as Bendigo Easter Fair. Here Loong meets the new Dragon Sun Loong for the first time. Together they circled the fountain several times.

Left to right: Dennis O'Hoy, Russell Jack, Charlie Quan, Tyrone Jack, David Lock, Ernie Ah Dore, Robert Jack, and Keith Jack.

In this image taken around 1901, Mee Lan O'Hoy, playing the Chinese Princess role, is riding a horse during the Bendigo Easter Fair parade.

The Chinese Princess role is similar to its male counterpart, the General, as it is a highly regarded position. The recipient is a member the Bendigo Chinese Association, she must have been an active member from a young age, participating in cultural activities as a member of a Bendigo Chinese Association performing team. (These teams include Lion, Dragon and Dancing). Currently the Chinese Princess is nominated by the Chinese Community each year. The coming of age has changed over time, and is now the age of 16.

This image shows Marie O'Hoy on horse back in the Bendigo Easter Fair in 1949, as the Princess of the procession.

This image, taken around 1961, shows Lorraine Kum Too dressed in the processional regalia of the Princess.

For some years Percy Wee Hee prepared Loong for the Easter Procession. This was a long and involved task, as each year it had to be put together, and dismantled again after the procession. Loong was stored in its component parts of cane frame, silk skirts, papier-mâché spines, and the head and tail. The Military General led the Chinese Easter parade from 1879.

Arthur Kum Too on horseback as the General. The Military General led the Chinese Easter parade from 1879. This highly regarded position, which continues to this day, has been equally shared by Chinese and European men. The Chinese in particular, considered it an honour to wear the costumes relating to the role of a high-ranking official.

Ted Slattery dressed as the Chinese General. The General is on horseback at the Bendigo Easter Fair parade on Easter Monday. Riding behind the General is Noeline Yum as Princess.

This image shows the Chinese procession of the Bendigo Easter Fair in 1895.

Photochemical print published in the Illustrated Australian News.

These photographs were taken in the 1930s and show participants ready to take part in the Bendigo Easter Procession. They are in the arena of the Bendigo Showgrounds, now known as the Tom Flood Centre.

This image shows the Chinese procession of the Bendigo Easter Fair, 1895.

Photochemical print published in the Illustrated Australian News.

Transcript

BENDIGO

EASTER FAIR

APRIL

1919

To the Chinese Residents

Bendigo and District

Sirs,

On behalf of the Committee of the Bendigo Easter Fair, 1919, which was held in aid of the Bendigo Hospital and Asylum, we desire to convey to you our very best thanks for the great assistance you lent to taking part in the procession.

You display, in a great measure, contributed to the success that was achieved. It was a very fine spectacular show and was greatly admired.

Again thanking you for your noble work in the sweet cause of Charity.

We are, on behalf of the Committee,

Yours truly,

A. Dunstan, President

L.? Howell, Vice-President

?, Vice-President

David Andrew, Secretary

Transcript

PRESENTED TO

THE CHINESE RESIDENTS

OF SANDHURST

BY THE

EASTER FAIR COMMITTEE

OF - 1879

FOR VALUABLE SERVICES RENDERED

BY THEM IN THE CAUSE OF CHARITY.

Transcript

BENDIGO EASTER FAIR SOCIETY

To The Bendigo & District Chinese Citizens

The Bendigo Easter Fair Society desires to covey its thanks and appreciation to the Chinese Citizens of Bendigo and District for their unfailing efforts and loyalty to assist the funds of the Bendigo Easter Fair by the production of the much admired and Esteemed Dragon which has at all times been so greatly admired by all, and which has for so many years been one of the main attractions in the Easter Fair Procession.

On behalf of the Bendigo Easter Fair Society,

Jamie ?, President

Wm [William] Ewing, Chairman of Committee

A.J. Wilden?, Secretary

1927

[Chinese script]