Summary
Printing block with an image and text of 'The Blood Vote' poster, first drawn during World War I in support of the campagin against conscription. The image was reprinted in the Seamen's Union Journal, circa 1969. It is one of a collection of 29 printing blocks used in the publication of the Seamen's Union Journal between 1965-1985.
'The Blood Vote' features verse by W.R. Winspear and a cartoon by Claude Marquet of a deeply worried woman casting a 'Yes' vote while Billy Hughes, Australia's labor prime minister and supporter of conscription, looks on gleefully. It was originally printed as a leaflet by Fraser & Jenkinson in Melbourne, 1917 and authorised by J. Curtin, Secretary for the 'National Executive'.
'The Blood Vote' was widely-published in papers such as The Australian Worker, The Westralian Worker and The Catholic Press. It was also posted directly into letterboxes. A campaign to counter its influence included letters of protest to newspapers and a pro-conscription version by Janet E. Stinson. One correspondent wrote: 'I had a letter left at my house this morning called "The Blood Vote", postage not paid. As I have an only son and two grandsons at the front, I think the above circular a downright insult to anyone having relations or friends at the front. I ask any reasonable man, is it humane or right to turn one's back on them and vote "No." The above document has emanated from rebels and traitors to their country. - Yours, etc., - W. BANNISTER. Mason street, Newport'. (Williamstown Chronicle, 28 Oct 1916)
Physical Description
Metal plate with photoengraved image, attached to a wooden block, wrapped in brown paper with copy of image on block attached to the front. Images features 'The Blood Vote' cartoon and verse.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
Working Life & Trades, Public Life & Institutions, Politics & Society
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Seamens Union of Australia, 1989
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Publisher
Seamen's Union of Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, circa 1969
Reverse of clipping has an article about an event held in November 1969 -
Artist
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Author
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Authorised By
Right Honourable John Curtin, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1917
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Inscriptions
Text: 'The Blood Vote' [extensive text]
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Dimensions
170 mm (Length), 225 mm (Depth), 26 mm (Height)
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References
The Dishonor Vote. (1917, December 13). Watchman (Sydney, NSW : 1902 - 1926), p. 5. Retrieved June 13, 2014, from [Link 1] CORRESPONDENCE. (1916, October 28). Williamstown Chronicle (Vic. : 1856 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved June 13, 2014, from [Link 2]
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Keywords
Trade Unions, Printing Blocks, Publications, World War I, 1914-1918, Conscription, Referendums