The operatives of the town are badly off.
"Contemporary Socialism"
John Rae
Mr. George Potter stated, in his evidence before the Select Committee on Masters and operatives in 1860, that it was a common saying among working people with regard to a man who works hard by piecework and overtime, that such a man is generally a drunkard.
"Contemporary Socialism"
John Rae
In Victoria more than fifty separate trades have obtained the eight hours day without any parliamentary assistance, and almost the only remaining trades which do not yet enjoy it are the very trades which have been protected by an eight hours Factory Act since 1874. As soon as the Act was passed, the operatives, men and women both, petitioned the Chief Secretary for its suspension, and it has remained in suspended animation to this day.
"Contemporary Socialism"
John Rae