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The Proclamation Train Journey
On Saturday 18 October 1890 Sir William Robinson stepped ashore from the RMS Orient at the Land Company's jetty at Albany. The ships in the harbour were flying bunting and the township was lavishly decorated with large triumphal arches adorned with transparencies and floral decor.
Sir William Robinson, taking up his third term as Governor of Western Australia, was greeted with enthusiasm as he brought with him the colony's first Constitution, only recently signed by the Queen of England. The constitution gave the colony the powers of responsible (self) government and the power to be governed entirely by its own elected representatives.
Robinson left for Perth on Sunday evening 19 October 1890 aboard a train to make an extraordinary overnight journey from Albany to Perth.
People celebrated along the route by lighting bonfires every three kilometres by the side of the track all the way to Beverley. The train stopped at Mount Barker, Cranbrook, Broomehill, Katanning, Wagin, Pingelly and Beverley and there was a welcoming crowd and an address delivered at each.
After breakfast in York and a last stop at Chidlows Well the Governor reached the capital. Following the 17 hour train journey Sir William Robinson was sworn in and delivered the Western Australian Constitution.
