As Victoria’s banks closed on July 1, 1891, to celebrate 40 years of Separation, some were questioning the relevance of the holiday.

The Portland Guardian reported there was some indifference among business owners as to whether they closed or not.  Some shops did decide to open their doors.  The writer proposed this may have been some indication of how each trader felt about Separation day.

The Portland Guardian, (ESTABLISHED 1842.) With which is incorporated The Portland Mirror. (1891, July 1). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876-1953), p. 2 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved July 1, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65386464

On the same day two years earlier, the Guardian had again raised the worth of the Separation Day holiday.  This time, a character of Charles Dickens, Melvin Twemlow is used to make the writer’s point.

The Portland Guardian,. (1889, July 1). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876-1953), p. 2 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved July 1, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63623718

Forward to 1894 and there was barely a mention of Separation day, but it did not go by without comment

Established August, 1842. The Portland Guardian, With which is incorporated The Portland Mirror. (1894, July 2). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876-1953), p. 2 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved July 1, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65407317