Summary

Black and white mounted photograph of the United Operative Masons float during Eight Hour Day festivities circa 1900.

Part of a collection relating to Australian trade unions and the Eight Hour Day. The Eight Hour Day march commemorated a successful protest march held on April 21, 1856 by Victorian stonemasons and other members of the building trades. The protest resulted in an agreement by the Victorian Government to ensure all workers on public sites had an eight hour working day. 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

Group of men and boys surrounding a horse-drawn cart carrying the banner of the United Operative Masons. Two men are standing next to the banner wearing white aprons and holding jugs. The remaining men are wearing hats and suits.

Physical Description

Black and white photograph mounted on white cardboard.

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