OBJECT TITLE / NAME

Rotunda, 01/01/1901

DATE1901

MEDIAImage

COLLECTIONHastings-Western Port Historical Society

REG NO.P934

HISTORY

This is the swearing-in ceremony of the first Australian government under the leadership of Edmund Barton by Lord Hopetoun, in Centennial Park, Sydney, NSW. A crowd of more than a quarter of a million people strolled through Sydney’s brilliantly decorated streets, abuzz with excitement over every sight and sound in a day overflowing with spectacle. Lord Hopetoun was the first Governor General of Australia. This image comes from the State Library of Victoria. Library Record Number: 732826. Accession Number: H36145/49. The printing across the top of the photograph which reads: “Swearing in Lord Hopetoun as Governor General of Australian Commonwealth” is not correct. Lord Hopetoun was appointed Governor General on 14 July, 1900 and arrived in Australia on 15 December, 1900.

DESCRIPTION

This image shows a ceremony taking place in an open white pavilion. Decorations can be seen inside the pavilion. A large crowd is watching. Three policemen are in the foreground behind a white post and rail fence. The following is printed across the top of the photograph: “Swearing in Lord Hopetoun as Governor General of Australian Commonwealth”.

SUBJECTS

Federation (1901), Governors general, Heads of state, Pavilions, Prime ministers, Rites and ceremonies, Rotundas, Swearing-in ceremonies

KEYWORDS

Barton, Edmund, Centennial Park, Sydney, Federation of Australia, Hopetoun, Lord