Summary

Medal commissioned by the Labour Historical Graves Committee to commemorate the restoration of the historic grave of James Galloway in the Melbourne General Cemetery, and to raise funds towards furutre grave restorations. Galloway was a trade union official and leader of the Eight Hour Day movement. The medal features the grave monument and the Eight-Hour monument.

Galloway helped form a Committee of Masons, of which he became Secretary, with the main aim being the introduction of an eight-hour working 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

A large (49 mm) copper medal commissioned from Emil Hafner to commemorate the restoration of the historic grave of James Galloway in the Melbourne General Cemetary, . It features the grave monument and the 8-Hour monument

Obverse Description

James Galloway Tomb in Melbourne General Cemetary; around, JAMES GALLOWAY 1828 - 1860 LEADER OF THE 8HR. COMMITTEE OF 1858 at top sides of monument, AUSTRALIA MELBOURNE

Reverse Description

Eight Hour monument aver 888; around, LABOUR HISTORICAL GRAVES COMMITTEE UNVEILED G.WHITLAM A.C.Q.C. MARCH 9TH. 1992

Edge Description

Stamped 018

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