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60th Year of Reign of Queen VictoriaPrint Page Print this page

Plaque 3 : 02-December -2014
Plaque 3 : 02-December -2014

Photographs supplied by Sandra Brown

The tablet commemorates the 60th year of the reign of Queen Victoria. 

Victoria (24 May 1819 – 22 January 1901) was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death. From 1 May 1876, she adopted the additional title of Empress of India. With a reign of 63 years, seven months and two days, Victoria was the longest -reigning British monarch and the longest-reigning queen regnant in world history until her great-great-granddaughter Queen Elizabeth II surpassed her on 9 September 2015.

Queen Victoria`s birthday, 24th May, used to be called `Empire Day`. There were special assemblies at school with songs praising the British Empire. Children were then given a half-day holiday. Up to the 1950s, Empire Day was celebrated in Australia with huge bonfires and fireworks.

The town was en fete yesterday. The school children of Dunolly and surrounding districts mustered in strong force in procession, and marched through the streets, accompanied by a band and headed by the borough councillors, to the town hall, where ample provision had been made to entertain the children. The Chinese of the town were also well provided for. The National Anthem was sung by the children after refreshments. At 4 o'clock a tablet in commemoration of the jubilee was unveiled, a large concourse being present. The mayor made a patriotic speech, and Mr Comrie, M.L.C., and Mr Duggan, M. L. A., also spoke. At the conclusion the National Anthem was sung.
The Argus (Melbourne), 23 June 1897.

Location

Address:83 Broadway, Dunolly Town Hall, Dunolly, 3472
State:VIC
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -36.859972
Long: 143.731916
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
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Details

Monument Type:Plaque
Monument Theme:Government
Sub-Theme:Imperial
Actual Event Start Date:20-June-1837
Actual Event End Date:20-June-1897

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:Tuesday 22nd June, 1897
Front Inscription

June 22nd 1897

Erected by the Burgesses of Dunolly 

In affectionate loyalty to the British Throne and Empire and in commemoration of the 60th year of the illustrious reign of  Victoria Queen of Britain Etc, Etc   Empress of India

Who rules with beneficent sway over 400 millions of the human race : On whose wide Dominions the sun never sets

A free people we rejoice

'She wrought her people lasting good' 

Her court was pure, her life serene
God gave her peace; her land reposed
A thousand claims to reverence closed in her as mother, wife and Queen

E. T. Morris   Mayor.

 

 

Source: MA
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia - www.monumentaustralia.org.au