Summary
Colour postcard depicting a procession on Bourke Street, Melbourne during Eight Hour Day celebrations.
Action taken by stonemasons on 21 April 1856 led to the establishment of the Eight Hour Day, with the government agreeing that workers employed on public works should enjoy an eight hour day with no loss of pay. It was a world first and became emblematic of the rights of labour. In recognition of the significance of this achievement, April 21 was made a public holiday in 1879 and commemorative marches were held each year from 1879 until 1951. The Eight Hour Day holiday was renamed Labour Day in 1934. In 1955 the Labour Day march and celebrations were replaced by Moomba celebrations.
Description of Content
Street procession featuring horse-drawn floats. A large group of onlookers stand on each side of the street. Four men are hanging from a lamp post on the left. Buildings and signs can also be seen.
Physical Description
Cardboard with colour image on front and black printed text on the back.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Unknown Acquisition Method from Mrs P. Wells, 1987
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Place & Date Depicted
Bourke Street, Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1919-1930
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Format
Postcard, Colour
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Language
English
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Inscriptions
Printed in white text in the bottom left corner: 'Bourke Street on 8 Hours Day'
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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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Overall Dimensions
14 cm (Length), 9 cm (Height)
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Keywords
8 Hours Day Movement, Societies, Souvenirs, Trade Unions, Working Hours, Working Life, 8 Hours Day Celebrations, Postcards, Workers Rights, Hats, Making History - Eight Hour Day