Queen VictoriaPrint Page

The plaque commemorates the death 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.

BALLARAT, Saturday. A handsome tribute to the memory of Queen Victoria, which takes the form of a drinking fountain, and has been erected by the members of the Women's Christian Temperence Union, was unveiled by the acting leader of the Commonwealth Government (Mr Deakin), in the presence of a large attendance, this afternoon. The federal Postmaster General (Senator Drake) was among the visitors. The base of the fountain is of grey granite, whilst the basin has been built of purple Swedish granite, and the whole is surmounted by figures of two children in white marble. On the face of the tablet is inscribed the following: -  "For God, Home, and Humanity. In memorium of Her late Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria.  Presented by the Women's Christian Temperance Union of the city of Ballarat. J. J. Brokenshire, mayor, 24th May, 1902"   The fountain is appropiately situated in Queen Victoria Square, and immediately behind the statue of the late Queen in Sturt - street.  

The statue having been unveiled amidst cheers, Mr. Deakin apologised for the absence of the Governor General, who had been invited to perform the ceremony. They all regretted his absence, but more so the permanent absence, that soon would result to Australia through Lord Hopetoun's departure. Though the Commonwealth would in future have many Governors, it would be a long time before they would have one possessing the entire confidence of all the states in the same degree as Lord Hopetoun. He (Mr. Deakin) congratulated the ladies on their handsome gift to the city, on its appropriateness, and on the singular suitability of the day of its presentation. The Postmaster-General having made a brief speech, Councillor Brokenshire (mayor of the city) accepted the fountain from Mrs. Theo. Williams, president of the union, as a gift to the city. Mr. Deakin afterwards unveiled the memorial tablet, erected by the citizens in the city-hall in remembrance of the Queen.  The tablet, which is constructed of white marble, is inscribed as follows. "In Memoriam HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY,  VICTORIA THE GOOD. Obit, January 22, 1901. Erected by the City of Ballarat." 
Argus (Melbourne,), 26 May 1902

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