Inauguration of the Commonwealth

This procession is seen to be led by 200 mounted police, followed by railway bandsmen, shearers and bush workers, decorated floats, large numbers of Australian and Imperial troops, as well as carriages carrying the first Governor-General John Hope, first Prime Minister Edmund Barton, state premiers and other dignitaries.[7][3] The parade followed a processional route from the public grounds of the Domain, through the central business district and city centre before heading south east towards Centennial Park where a purpose built pavilion was erected for the federation ceremony.[9] Within the pavilion at Centennial Park, the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, William Smith is seen to greet the Governor General John Hope, the Prime Minister Edmund Barton and other dignitaries.The Governor General and government ministers are depicted signing an oath of allegiance at a table in the centre of the purpose-built pavilion.Within these scenes, the Governor General and leading military figures are seen presiding over large masses of Australian and Imperial troops.[8] The production of Inauguration of the Commonwealth was commissioned by the New South Wales Premier, Sir William Lyne, in late 1900 as a means of presenting the planned parade for the Federation of Australia to rest of the British Empire.As The Sydney Morning Herald on 12 November 1900 reported:“The Premier is of the opinion that the occasion will lend itself to the production of a number of splendid views, and is hopeful that full advantage will be taken of it to secure films that will be viewed with considerable interest by people throughout the British Empire.” [13]Prior to the event, several custom-built camera platforms were set up along the route of the procession and in Centennial Park where the federation ceremony was to take place.[5] The proceeds from the film were utilised to support the Salvation Army's mission, as well as to replace the Limelight Department's failing camera equipment.