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.