Background:
"Labour Day commemorates the struggle for an eight-hour working day. New Zealand workers were among the first in the world to claim this right when, in 1840, the carpenter Samuel Parnell won an eight-hour day in Wellington. Labour Day was first celebrated in New Zealand on 28 October 1890, when several thousand trade union members and supporters attended parades in the main centres. Government employees were given the day off to attend the parades and many businesses closed for at least part of the day." Source: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/politics/labour-day
LABOUR DAY at The Thames:
While the 28th October was originally designated as the public holiday, around the country demonstrations were also held to showcase workers' rights. While its not clear that Thames joined in, the newspaper did report fully the demonstrations held in Wellington on Labour Day 1891.
By 1900, Labour Day was the 10th October, a Wednesday. An impact for Thamesites was that there was only one mail delivery by the letter carrier.
THAMES STAR, 9 OCTOBER 1900 at PapersPast
In 1905, Labour Day was the 11th, the papers reminded everyone that Banks and Government Departments would be closed. Celebrations were still low key at Thames, while nearby Auckland had adopted a street procession on Labour Day.
By 1911, came the news that Labour Day had been 'Mondayised' to the 4th Monday in October. Then came the news that Mayor Lowe requested that all observe the Labour Day and Miners' Union Day. Miners' Union Day had typically mean a day of sports and demonstrations at Thames, held on the first Monday of the month - and usually observed as a public holiday.
THAMES STAR, 17 OCTOBER 1911 at PapersPast
Note that the Miners' Union Day had changed back in 1909 when they decided to align it with Labour Day, which was then the second Wednesday of October.
THAMES STAR, 31 DECEMBER 1909
Interesting in these early years, Thamesites usually celebrated these public holidays by taking an excursion to places such as Auckland. In 1911 they went in great numbers to Te Aroha. It was expected that 2-3,000 Thamesites and folk from Waihi would meet at the Te Aroha Domain for a picnic (free hot water provided). The excursionists were to be accompanied by the Thames Band!
During World War One, the town used the day to raise money for injured soldiers, by holding a Labour Day Carnival and procession in 1915. Excursions and Labour Day events continued through the years. Still in the 1920s, the emphasis thought was on Miners' Union Day - no doubt fired by the occupations relevance to the town and how they had to continually fight for better conditions and wages.
Source: Thames Museum Photograph Collection
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1915 Procession - Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19151202-44-3
Some things never change! In 1920, came the announcement in the local newspaper that rubbish days in the borough would be one day later than scheduled due to Labour Day.
By the 1930s, it appears that retailers were having a few Labour Day Specials, even New Zealand Railway was tempting the excursionists with cheap fares! In 1930, the town held a procession which started at the Royal Hotel and went to the Thames High School in Sealey Street - where a large carnival and sports day was held.
Throughout the 1930s, the Labour Day Committee organised a celebratory day. In 1937, a children's sports day was held at Victoria Park, and the Kings Theatre had an evening programme of entertainment. There were prizes for decorated bikes - which was won by M Wilton. The most original costume was awarded to D McKee. The best decorated pram / go-cart / trolley went to L McKee. C Barlow won the best children's pet display. Best dressed doll went to Jane Burgess. Awards were also made for runners-up in most categories.
When did Labour Day celebrations cease at The Thames?
A question I am not yet sure of!!! During the 1940s, there were Labour Day Balls held, and a few parades. If you can remember when the last commemoration was held, please let me know.
What is evident is that Thamesites of old, took the opportunity to relax and take time out from their usual routine. They delighted in using the day for a trip by boat or train to Hamilton or Auckland. While commemorating the true meaning of Labour Day!
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