[Editor: This article, regarding the Eight Hours movement, was published in The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), 2 May 1890.]
Meeting in Melbourne.
A public meeting of working men to advocate the principle of a maximum of eight hours’ labor per day was held last night in the old Trades Hall, Lygon-street, under the presidency of Dr. Moloney, M.L.A. There was a large attendance.
The chairman, commenting on the object of the meeting, contended that the eight hours system was one of the best that the world had ever seen, but he hoped the trades would band together and see that it was not encroached upon.
Mr. John Woods, M.L.A., also addressed the meeting and moved — “That this meeting expresses its sympathy with those who are struggling for a maximum eight hours law of labor in Europe and America.” He remarked that the present was one of the most important times in the history of the world, and at any rate in the history of Europe and America. This was one of the most astonishing movements that had ever taken place, and in the future he anticipated that it would put an end to strikes. The duty of Victorians was not to imagine that the eight hours principle was universally adopted throughout the colony, but to recognise that the system was not safe so long as there was any considerable trade or occupation outside of the system. Outside Melbourne there were 10,000 women working from 10 to 15 hours per day, a fact which ought to arouse them all to put a stop to such a state of things. The Rev. W. Hopkins seconded the motion, which was then carried without dissent.
Mr. Rosa, the secretary, moved, “That at the earliest possible date our representatives be instructed to advocate the immediate extension of the eight hours system.” He expressed the opinion that in all trades the hours of labor ought to be restricted by law. The resolution was seconded and carried, and several others addressed the meeting, which was of a very enthusiastic character.
Source:
The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), 2 May 1890, p. 5
Editor’s notes:
M.L.A. = Member of the Legislative Assembly
[Editor: The original text has been separated into paragraphs.]
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