The Birth of an Organising Union

Not all work:
the union’s fundraising concert
❝ It was also
reported that
‘the proceeds
resulting from
the concert are
to be devoted to
the purchase of
a banner for the
union.’
❞
The trollymen knew how to
throw a party. On 6 May 1901 the
union held a successful concert
at the New Masonic Hall,
Castlereagh Street, attended by
over one thousand people.
‘An excellent programme of
vocal and instrumental music,
step-dancing, and character
impersonsations was submitted,
and there was frequent and
hearty applause. Among those
who contributed items were Mr.
Tod Callaway and Mr. Howard
Chambers, who appeared by
permission of Mr. Rickards, and
Mr. John Fuller, of the Empire
Theatre.’
Fuller’s Empire Theatre was
nearby in Castlereagh street
and featured ‘vaudeville’
The Royal Standard, known as the
Empire Theatre in 1901, provided the
entertainers for the union’s banner
fundraising concert.
comedians, minstrel and variety
performers. It was also reported
that ‘the proceeds resulting from
the concert are to be devoted to the
purchase of a banner for the union.’
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The Birth of an Organising Union