THE CELEBRATIONS
As always, there were those who were prepared to point out any weak points. In one cartoon for example, Australia's future is depicted as rather grim for its people are painted as revellers with little sense of morality or decorum. But, on the whole, it was the sense of a big party, of something worth celebrating that prevailed.

Official Program to the Commonwealth of Australia inaugural celebrations at Sydney, 1901. By Permission of the National Library of Australia

Invitation to the Commonwealth Celebration, Sydney, on Wednesday 2 January, 1901 Held by the Highland Society of New South Wales. By permission of the National Library of Australia.

"Australia Faces the Dawn: 2nd January, 1901" Bulletin, 8 January 1901, p.17. Courtesy of the University of Western Australia Library.

Fancy dress and national costume, Melbourne Federation celebrations, 1901. By permission of the National Library of Australia.

Swearing in ceremony, Centennial Park, Sydney, Commonwealth Celebrations, 1901. By permission of the National Library of Australia.