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Ceremonial shovel used for the turning of the first sod at works on railways commenced at Port Augusta, Oodnadatta, Tarcoola and Alice Springs between 1912 and 2001

1998.0028.0018

Ceremonial shovel used for the turning of the first sod at works on railways commenced at Port Augusta, Oodnadatta, Tarcoola and Alice Springs between 1912 and 2001

Object information

Physical description

A Nickel-plated cast steel ceremonial shovel. The blade is polished, and engraved silver-plated plaques have been attached to both sides of the D-shaped handle. Two smaller plaques are attached to the shaft near the handle. The engraving on one side of the handle reads 'KALGOORLIE - PORT AUGUSTA RAILWAY / Eastern DIVISIOn / Used for turning the first sod / BY / HIS EXCELLENCY THE COVERNOR GENERAL, / THE RIGHT HONORABLE THOMAS, BARON DENMAN / P.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O. / PORT AUGUSTA S.A. / September 14th 1912.'. The engraving on the other side partially reads 'THE PRIME MINISTER / THE RIGHT HONORABLE ANDREW FISHER P.C. / KALGOORLIE W.A. / February 12th 1913.'.

Object information

What

Type

Shovels
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Collection

Australian National Railways Commission collection
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Dimensions

W 240mm x H 900mm x D 125mm

Material

When

Who

Where

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