Summary

Alternative Name(s): Official Pass

Official pass issued during the Toowoomba Labour Day celebrations in 1948-1949. The ticket is printed for 1948 but has been rubber stamped for 1949.

Part of a collection relating to Australian trade unions and the Eight Hour Day. 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.

Physical Description

Red cardboard rectangular ticket with black printed text. Date stamped on front and on reverse. Issuing union has stamped the back of the pass but it has not been done correctly and therefore is unreadable.

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