The first parliament of the Commonwealth

The First Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia was opened at the Melbourne Exhibition Building on 9 May 1901. The new King of England, Edward VII, sent his son, the Duke of Cornwall and York, to Australia as his representative.

The Duke drove through Melbourne’s busy streets lined with cheering crowds to the Exhibition Building, where he declared the Parliament of the Commonwealth open in front of approximately 12 000 guests.

This invitation to the official opening is addressed to William Admans who was for several years a member of The Age reporting staff. Admans was also a member of the Federal Hansard staff.

History Trust of South Australia HT 2004.947