Summary

Poster advertising the United Building Trades Picnic to celebrate the jubilee of the Eight Hour Day movement. The picnic was held at Mornington on 24 March, 1906. Guests were transported to Mornington on the P.S Hygeia boat which departed from Port Melbourne. The picnic featured a 'great sports programme' including races in various categories and a tug-of-war competition. The poster was printed by Drakard & Fraser, Prahran.

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

Printed cardboard poster advertising picnic. Printed black ink text showing date, prices and outlining a programme of sports events.

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