elizabeth

‘In Brisbane’s sunshine’ Thousands of Queenslanders greeted the Queen with great enthusiasm and informality. Through speeches and exhibitions, Queensland was portrayed as rich in natural resources and agriculture with great potential for long-term prosperity. At a parliamentary luncheon held in Brisbane on 10 March, the Premier talked of the major rural industries of Queensland including wool, sugar, beef, and dairy, as well as the coalfields of Blair Athol and the Callide Valley. Although the Royal couple were in the State for only nine days they covered a significant distance and the areas they visited displayed the resources and achievements of that region. In Toowoomba, prized livestock of the district was paraded for the Royal couple at a reception at the Athletic Oval. At a Civic Ball held at the Brisbane City Hall on 10 March, flora and fauna of Queensland were brought directly to the Royal pair where a representation of a rainforest, complete with flowers, foliage and waterfall was set up. The simulated gum tree provided a temporary home for nine koalas. Source: www.qhatlas.com.au/content/queen-queensland-1954

In 1946, the Premier of Queensland, Ned Hanlon, offered the post of Governor of Queensland to Lieutenant General Sir Leslie Morshead, who declined. Hanlon then offered the post to Lavarack, who accepted and was sworn in on 1 October—the second Australian-born person to hold a governorship in Australia (Sir John Northcott had been made Governor of New South Wales two months previously).[6] After completing his five-year term in 1951, Lavarack's governorship was extended by another five years to 1956. In February 1952, he proclaimed Queen Elizabeth II as the monarch in Queensland, following the death of her father King George VI. Lavarack's oath of allegiance and oath of office was then re-administered (at his request) to reflect the new monarch.[7] He was then reappointed for a further year from 1 October 1956, but due to ill health, Lavarack only served four months of the extended term and was relieved of his duties on 25 January 1957 by his lieutenant governor, although he officially remained governor until September 1957. Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lavarack

The Queensland itinerary featured Brisbane from 9-10 and 16-18 March, and the regional cities Bundaberg and Toowoomba on 11 March, Townsville on 12 March, Cairns on 13 March, and Mackay and Rockhampton on 15 March. The Queen traveled 2600 km by plane, and the Townsville–Cairns–Mackay legs on the Royal yacht. Despite the distance, the Queen’s trip never took her inland from the Queensland coast further than Toowoomba, but many Queenslanders traveled inland to see their Queen. Rockhampton marked the end of the tour of regional Queensland and the couple returned to Brisbane for a free day and then another day of engagements before departing for Broken Hill and Adelaide on 18 March. The scene of the couple leaving Queensland was described after the event with great emotion, ‘Elizabeth and Philip drove out along the crowded way from Government House to the airport, and as the singing of “God Save the Queen” came to its full-throated climax, there were many tears in their eyes.’ Perhaps over-protected from the heat and conditions of inland Queensland in 1954, the Queen's itinerary for later tours included Mount Isa and Longreach. Source: www.qhatlas.com.au/content/queen-queensland-1954

The Civic Welcome at the Exhibition Ground will be the highlight of the Royal Progress. Thousands of citizens are expected to greet the Royal couple. From 9 a.m. there will be entertainment for the huge crowd waiting at the Exhibition Ground. The program will be provided by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, the State and Municipal Choir, St. Andrew’s Pipe Band, the Northern Command A.R.A. Band, and the South Brisbane Federal Band. After the Lord Mayor of Brisbane (Alderman F. E. Roberts, M.L.A.) has read the Citizens’ Address of Welcome at the Exhibition Ground and the Queen has replied, Noella Holme, aged 11, a ward of Legacy, will present a bouquet to Her Majesty. The massed choir, accompanied by the orchestra will then sing Long Live Elizabeth, from Edward German’s operetta Merrie England. - SEVEN commentators, drawn from the A.B.C. and commercial stations will describe the ten-mile Royal Progress through Brisbane. Commentators Arthur Wyndham, Ida Elizabeth Jenkins, and Graham Webster will be at the airport at Eagle Farm. Not far from the aerodrome, Reg Goss will be at the Cotton Ginnery, headquarters of the Cotton Marketing Board. lan Neil will then take up the description at the corner of Nudgee Road and Eagle Farm Road, and Terence Lambart, on the Hamilton Reach of the Brisbane River will continue the commentary as the Royal Progress moves along Kingsford Smith Drive. Ted Sheppard, traveling in the broadcasting car in the Royal Progress, then takes over. Meanwhile, Pat de Rochfort Reynolds waits for his cue in Breakfast Creek Road. The Royal Progress will then be close to the historic Valley area, where Frank Stuart and David Wadham will be stationed. When the Progress turns into Brunswick Street Tom McGregor continues the description. Keith Glover will be at another microphone in Brunswick Street. The Royal Progress then stops at the Exhibition Ground. Commentator Denys Beard will be outside the ground, Bruce Webber, and George Hardman within. As the Royal party approaches the city proper, the description will be taken up by Russ Tyson at Barry Parade. At Petrie Bight will be Len Kynvett and Earle Reeve will follow the Progress down Queen Street. The description will then be continued by Don Sanderson and Clive Harburg (who will describe the wreath-placing ceremony). It will then be taken up by Peter Clarke, Henry Cuthbertson, Johnny James, Dick Turner, and Moreton Smith. To bring the commentary to a close, Bill Newnham will be on the grounds of Government House. Source: ABC Weekly; Vol. 16 No.10 (6 March 1954) nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1548343459/view?sectionId=nla.obj-1669...