These races are, in comparison with the
white race-I think no one wants convincing of this fact-unequal
and inferior. The doctrine of the equality of men was never
intended to apply to the equality of the Englishman and the
Chinaman. There is a deep-set difference, and we see no prospect
of it ever being effaced. Nothing in this world can put these
two races upon equality. Nothing we can do by cultivation, by
refinement, or by anything else will make some races equal to
others.
Quote, Edmund Barton 1901
These words uttered by our first Prime Minister
had a profound and devastating effect on the lives of many Chinese
settlers in this country. It is well known that the restriction
of Chinese immigration and citizenship had been a major motivation
for Australian Federation among the European colonists. The impact
of the 'White Australia' policy was to divide the Chinese families
and communities that were integral to the structure of Chinese
life. In Victoria, the eminent MLA for Bendigo, Sir John Quick,
introduced the first Bill into the Victorian Parliament to take
the vote away from Chinese residents, and according to the Almanac
of Bendigo and Vicinity for 1895: "agitated untiringly to
prevent the influx of Chinese as far as possible by a poll tax".
Life was never easy for the Chinese, but it
is through this very struggle to retain their cultural identity,
that Chinese Australians now celebrate the Centenary of Federation!
The history of the Chinese community in Bendigo is intertwined
with the history of the Bendigo goldfields and the Bendigo Easter
Procession. This annual event aimed at raising funds for local
charities has been a continual tradition for the Chinese since
1871. Although the Chinese people were not always welcome in the
community, many gained respect and recognition in Bendigo, as
a result of their involvement in the Easter Procession. Furthermore,
the Procession provided a venue and opportunity for Chinese to
interact with the wider community. This unique history can now
be seen at the Golden Dragon Museum.
Although the Chinese had participated in the
annual Bendigo Easter Procession since 1871, the first time a
dragon was reported to have appeared in the Procession, was in
the Easter of 1892. This dragon is known as Loong (Chinese for
dragon), now the oldest imperial (5 claw) dragon in the world!
Loong was used annually until 1970 when a new dragon 'Sun Loong'
was brought over from Hong Kong to replace him.
The highlight of Loong's long career was his
participation in the celebration related to Federation in 1901.
Loong was one of the two Chinese dragons known to have been paraded
by the Chinese of Victoria to welcome the Duke and Duchess of
York to Melbourne for the opening of our First Parliament. It
is intriguing that the Chinese participated so actively in this
event, when one of the first Bills to be pass through Parliament
became the Chinese Immigration Restriction Act. However, it is
apparent that the Chinese for their part were keen to display
an active role as a means of achieving recognition as part of
the Australian community.
After a period of extensive restoration, Loong
will relive his historic role on 6th May 2001, where he will play
a major role in Our Nation on Parade (part of the Victorian Centenary
of Federation celebration). The restoration of Loong is funded
by the Centenary of Federation. Two weeks prior to the Parade
(from 23 of April) Loong will be on display in the New Melbourne
Museum. He will also make a special appearance in the Annual Bendigo
Easter Procession on 16 April, accompanied by 5 other dragons.
The Centenary of Federation will mean different
things to many people. For me, the cultural significance of Loong's
participation in Our Nation on Parade goes beyond recognising
him as one of the remaining artefact of the 1901 Parade. I believe
he will become a Victorian icon, a reminder of the past history
of the Victorian goldrush and a symbol of the continual development
of the Chinese community in a multicultural Australia!
Raphael Beh. Curator Golden Dragon Museum
For more information call (03) 5441 5044.