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'Are We Medieval?' The Worker, 2 January 1904
This article from Brisbane publication The Worker rebukes derisive comments published by a London journalist mocking Australia’s legislation concerning workers as a reversion to medieval trade laws. Responding to McKenzie’s quip that…
Eight Hour Procession 1901, Sydney
The writer credits the craft guilds of medieval England for the eight-hour system, including the Saturday half-holiday. The latter was supposed to be devoted to archery practice, which eventually ensured English mastery of the bow and arrow and their…
Eight Hours Song
Working or labour songs were a feature of nineteenth century (and later) union gatherings and processions. The songs and communal singing evoke peasant or folk traditions. The song gives the workers the high-ground because they resort to moral rather…
Geelong Trades Hall Front View ‘Labor Omnia Vincit’
‘Labor Omnia Vincit’ (work conquers everything) is a historically significant slogan associated with the American and English labour movements. It was also the motto of the Knights of Labour, a group started in the 1860s in America. The…
Establishing the Commonwealth Culture: A Distinctly Australian Event
This article written by the Australian Broadcasting Commission in 2010 displays a collection of primary source materials pertaining to the Australian Federation Parade in Sydney in 1901. Of particular interest are the groups of people present…