The paper was supportive. The railway closed exactly 100 years after Parkes speech. His Federation policy had more enduring results, although The Age described the speech as opportunistic. Tenterfield today offers tourist attractions to rival Parkes and Federation. There are beautiful walks in the Boonoo Boonoo and Bald Rock national parks.
Aborigines run culture tours.
Major J.F. Thomas, who defended Breaker Morant in the Boer War, is buried here. It reflects the true Australia. We don t get carried away with razzmatazz, except on rare occasions. Maybe it will happen this time. The centenary of Federation is a rare occasion.