By Staff Writers
First published in The Age on April 16, 1959
Carnival Atmosphere as Wangaratta Achieves City Status
In an atmosphere of carnival gaiety, and before a crowd of about 2000 people, the Governor (Sir Dallas Brooks) yesterday proclaimed Wangaratta, 146 miles from Melbourne, on the Hume Highway, a city.
Carnival to celebrate the naming of Wangaratta as a city.Credit: The Age Archives
And to the mayor (Cr. Donovan) he presented a Vice-regal brooch, to be given to the first baby to be born in the new city.
The city presented a gay sight for the historic proclamation day, with street bunting setting off the special shop window displays, many of which depicted periods in Wangaratta’s history.
In warm sunshine Sir Dallas Brooks congratulated the councilors and citizens on the rapid development they had achieved in Wangaratta.
“I am here today as the personal representative of the Queen in this State to put the seal on all you have accomplished here,” he said.
“For you it puts paid to your claim that you are the capital of north-eastern Victoria.”
Development
Sir Dallas Brooks (Governor of Victoria) with Cr. Donovan (Mayor of Wangaratta)Credit: The Age Archives
Sir Dallas Brooks said Wangaratta had shown tremendous development in primary and secondary industry.
In 11 years the population had doubled to 12,000, and cultural and social facilities had been greatly increased.
He and Lady Brooks wanted to present a vice-regal brooch to’ the mayor for safe keeping until the first baby was born in the new city of Wangaratta.
“It will be a christening present from Sir Dallas and Lady Brooks,” he said.
(A later check on the hospital by the town clerk (Mr. Moran) revealed that no baby had been born there yesterday.)
“Well Done”
The Governor then read the formal proclamation of Wangaratta as a city, and added, “Well done, citizens.”
He called Cr. Donovan forward and placed around his shoulder the new mayoral chain.
The Minister for Local Government (Mr Porter) briefly thanked the Governor on behalf of the citizens of Wangaratta, and the vice-regal party then moved into the town hall for a brief council meeting to mark the occasion.
Sir Dallas and Lady Brooks then attended a combined church service in Holy Trinity Cathedral. A special Mass was also said at St. Patrick’s Church.
School Display
During the afternoon the vice-regal party moved to Wangaratta showgrounds, where the carnival atmosphere was intensified.
Thousands of school children were formed up on the arena and gaily decorated floats which had earlier paraded through the street were drawn up in readiness for the parade.
Sir Dallas Brooks spoke briefly to the children and told them that their Governor had to do something to make them remember a great day.
“My wife and I have decided that next Monday – April 20 – every school in the city of Wangaratta will be given an extra whole holiday,” he said.
The children readily responded to the mayor’s invitation for “three cheers” for Sir Dallas and Lady Brooks.
A parade of the many magnificent floats was led by teams of marching girls, with clowns adding to the carnival spirit.
Lady Brooks later officially opened the new guide hall, while Sir Dallas Brooks visited the Masonic lodge.
Wangaratta’s celebrations will continue until Sunday with special functions each day.
The city has shown progress over the past few years.
New industries have been established and old firms have expanded. The population is growing every year.