Fly Ted Down Under Journeys through the land of Oz

Canberra

AUSTRALIA | Sunday, 13 March 2011 | Views [1244]

An excerpt on display of Captain Cook's famous reflection on Aboriginal first contact, 1770, becoming more prescient perhaps with the passing of time: "From what I have said of the Natives of New Holland they may appear to some to be the most wretched people upon Earth, but in reality they are far happier than we Europeans; being wholly unacquainted not only with the superfluous but the necessary conveniences so much sought after in Europe, they are happy in not knowing the use of them..."

The Senate throne, big chair at the back, reserved for the Queen and her consort alongside. They have never sat in it. The President of the Senate (Speaker) is the next chair forward, donated in fact to the new Parliament House by the Canadian government. Above the throne, a kangaroo and emu keep careful watch on both sides of the house. The government side is below and opposition on the far side.

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The Great Hall, scene of many national receptions and banquets. The Parliament House was officially opened by the Queen in here. At the far end is a giant tapestry based on a painting by Arthur Boyd, one of Australia's famous artists. He was in his late 70's though when this was commissioned so he said rather than paint the whole thing again, why not have it done up as a woven tapestry.

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Fly Ted Down Under Journeys through the land of Oz

Canberra

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