03301 Ark-Vol 2 September 5 2pm DL

CHAPTER 13 Federation

O n the 5th of July 1900, the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act (UK) was passed. Royal assent was given by Queen Victoria on the 9th of July 1900, and it was proclaimed on the 1st of January 1901 in Centennial Park, Sydney, 21 days before the Queen died at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Thus ended the Victorian era and Australia’s colonial era. The new political union of the colonies, which created the modern nation of Australia, resulted in the end of intercolonial customs and duties, a trade boom, and a race to create better transport infrastructure between the Australian states. By 1900, over 4,000 kilometres of railway line had been constructed, connecting key centres. Colonial vineyards were able to take advantage of this efficient and low-cost transport. Thousands of hogsheads (casks of 66 imperial gallons, or 300 litres) were sent down to various ports by rail. During this time, most people travelled long distances by steam ships or trains. But horse and coach still taxied people and goods locally. Postal, telegraphic, and telephone services became the responsibility of the new federal government. South Australian companies began to expand their vineyards in response to new market demand, leading to rapid market dominance across the country. At this time, the population of Adelaide and its environs was 180,825. The newly formed State of South Australia comprised around 363,000 people, and the total population of Australia was nearing 3.8 million. South Australian vignerons were particularly advantaged by the end of intercolonial customs duties and tariffs and aided by state subsidies. Château Tanunda, Thomas Hardy, and Penfolds

Federation Arch in Martin Place, Sydney, New South Wales, 1901. [Courtesy: Museum of Australian Democracy] The Swearing-in Ceremony, Centennial Park, Inauguration of the Australian Commonwealth, Sydney, 1 January 1901. [SLNSW PXD 760]