28 February 1871 - More than 3000 people celebrated the annual picnic of the Eight Hours’ League in Sydney yesterday, to demonstrate to employers their support for the eight-hour day.
The league, founded by the union movement for the reduction of working hours, began the day with a procession from Captain Cook’s statue in Hyde Park, down to Circular Quay to board two steamers for Manly Beach.
The procession carried flags and banners declaring ‘May industry be rewarded’, ‘Union is strength’ and ‘Eight Hours’ Labour, Eight Hours’ Recreation, Eight Hours’ Rest’.
By 2.00 p.m., the crowd had gathered in Ivanhoe Park, Manly Beach, for lunch. Most brought picnics, however the official party, including Mr. John Stewart MLA and Alderman Goold, sat down to a more formal lunch with speeches and toasts concerning the plans of the league.
The remainder of the crowd were entertained with dancing, games of cricket and quoits, ‘Punch and Judy’ shows, acrobats, merry-go-rounds, swings and races.
The police were only called in when several revellers began to gamble and they were immediately removed.
The Eight Hours’ Picnic ended within the allotted eight hours.