Proclamation Day

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Proclamation Day is the day South Australia was proclaimed a British colony. It also refers to the day that Western Australia proclaimed responsible government.

[edit] South Australia

Proclamation Day is the South Australian public holiday that celebrates the proclamation of South Australia as a British province. The proclamation took place at The Old Gum Tree at Glenelg on December 28, 1836 by Captain John Hindmarsh. The proclamation included the same protection under the law for the local native population as for the settlers. It is now a public holiday in South Australia, although this holiday is on the first work day after the Christmas Day public holiday (usually December 26).

[edit] Western Australia

Proclamation Day also refers to October 21 1890, the day that responsible government was proclaimed in Western Australia. It used to be a public holiday in Western Australia, but gradually the celebrations were pre-empted by those who wished to celebrate the achievement of the eight-hour day. In 1919 it was renamed Labour Day, and shortly afterwards the celebration date changed, with the result that Proclamation Day is no longer a public holiday in Western Australia.