The rise and fall of "Marvellous Melbourne", 1880-1895
Abstract
During the eighteen-eighties Melbourne may be
said to have become a ’metropolis'. Its spectacular
physical growth was accompanied by changes which brought
the structures and institutions of its work-life more
closely into line with those of an organized market. In
commerce, established merchants faced the challenge of
new competitors, methods and values; in manufacturing
industry, the old Protectionist alliance of masters and
men fell victim to altered industrial conditions; the
traditional skills and relations of builders and journeymen
were displaced by those of the sub-contractor and 'jerry-builder'
; even the professions and civil service were
not immune from market pressures and constraints.