Queen VictoriaPrint Page

The clock and chimes in the tower at the Hobart General Post Office commemorate 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 clock and chimes have been placed in the tower of the new Post Office, and have been set going. Thus the memorial to our late and beloved sovereign, Queen Victoria, is an accomplished fact. The inaugural ceremony was fixed for Saturday 23rd, but unfortunately the function was sadly marred by the very inclement and cold weather which prevailed.  Sir Gerald Strickland was to have given an address, but refrained, as snowflakes and sleet commenced to fall in great profusion, and the people began to beat a hasty retreat to more congenial surroundings.

His Excellency said,-"Mr. Mayor and Fellow-Citizens,-In the name of the citizens, and on behalf of the subscribers, I dedicate this clock and bells to the memory of Her Majesty Victoria, Queen and Empress of the British people. Long may the clock chime, as a symbol of the harmony of the people of Tasmania for the rest of the British people, under his Majesty King Edward." Cheers followed from the populace assembled, and the proceedings terminated.
Examiner (Launceston) 26th June 1906.
 

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