An Ode to Federation, is remarkable because of its rhyme and distinctly Western Australian focus. The Western Australian colonial parliament had deep concerns about joining the eastern colonies to form a Federation, and was therefore reluctant to pass the Bill that would enable Western Australians to vote at a referendum on the issue. Twenty-two days before WA voted at the referendum, the British Parliament passed the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900. The Eastern side of Australia, tired of waiting for the West, was preparing to federate without us. But WA had not entirely missed the boat and when, on 31 July 1900, we voted 'YES', the colony was still entitled to join the Commonwealth as an 'Original' State.
Admission is free.
The winners in the Western Australian Premier's Book Awards were recently announced at a gala dinner in the Alexander Library Building. All of the books shortlisted in the awards are displayed here, including the winner, Into the Wadi by Michele Drouet. In contrast to the brightly illustrated books which provide entertainment to children today, check out what our great grandparents were reading with a selection of some rare historic Australian items from the Research Collection of Children's Literature displayed in the foyer of the Alexander Library. The concept of a pilgrimage, or journey to a distant sacred goal, is found in all the great religions of the world. This display features atlases of hoy places and sacred sites, personal memoirs of such journeys, maps of holy places, and directories of the holy places for all the world's religions.