Draft:Parliament House Puzzle
There is a debate known as the Parliament House Puzzle concerning the type of Australian flags used at the 1927 opening ceremony of the
Background
Following the
Arguments for the red ensign
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There is an eyewitness account by the correspondent for The West Australian that states: "The sunlight streamed through the crimson of drooping flags".[2] The official portrait by Septimus Power also features the Australian red ensign, which Dr Elizabeth Kwan theorises was favoured by the commissioned artist for dramatic effect.[3] Power was noted for his ability to "create a feeling of movement and drama". Kwan says that Power might have been using artistic license "to highlight the St. George crosses in the Union Jacks and the carpet leading from the duke's carriage to the main entrance" or because the civil ensign is predominantly red. Yet Kwan concludes that the opening of the capitol building is "surely an occasion for the Commonwealth's official flag", the predominantly blue ensign.[3]
Arguments for the blue ensign
Kwan's seminal Flag and Nation published in 2006, featured a never-before-mentioned colour lithograph of the opening ceremony by an unknown artist that features the predominantly blue ensign.[4] Kwan says the photographic evidence is inconclusive however, "A commemorative lithograph with the duke's address and MPs signatures shows blue ensigns".[4] A sketch of the original plan by the Federal Capital Commission suggested there would be only Australian blue ensigns accompanying the Duke of York's standard. The Royal Visit Cabinet Committee in March 1927 confirmed "that the 'Commonwealth Flag', not the Union Jack" would fly along with the duke's flag on "Parliament House in the morning and at the armed forces review in the afternoon". In the event, Australian flags of some description and the Union Jack are evident.[4]
See also
- Eureka Jack Mystery, debate over flag arrangements at the Eureka Stockade
- Prospect Hill Flag Debate over the flag flown by Washington in 1776
- Australian flag debate
References
- ^ Elizabeth Kwan, Parliament House Puzzle (2003) Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations <http://www.curriculum.edu.au/cce/default.asp?id=9306>.
- ^ "'From Capitol Hill: Wonderful Panoramic View Ceremony in Brilliant Sunshine'". The West Australian. Perth. 10 May 1927. p. 9.
- ^ a b Kwan 2006, p. 85.
- ^ a b c Kwan 2006, p. 84.
Bibliography
- Kwan, Elizabeth (2006). Flag and Nation: Australians and their National Flags since 1901. Sydney: University of New South Wales. ISBN 0-86840-567-1.