Melbourne Wharf Labourers check, 1885

This is an unissued check piece produced for the Melbourne Wharf Labourers Union in 1885. It features a bale hook, spade and shovel separating the Eight-hour movement's 888 (representing 8 hours work, 8 hours recreation and 8 hours rest). Check pieces like this were a form of identification of members.

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Obverse – At the centre are crossed tools separating the numbers 888. Around this is the legend MELBOURNE WHARF LABOURERS UNION 1885.		Reverse – No. ----------. If the check had been issued, a member's number would be stamped above the dotted line.

Transferred from National Gallery of Victoria, 1976