Iron Cove bridge, looking towards Callan Park, ca 1905

We were amused (yet also sobered, given the severity of the 1890s depression) by the following note from a Balmain Council meeting we came across recently, as reported in the Balmain Observer, December 1897:

Q: Are the Council’s employees entitled to any holidays, besides public holidays, during the year?

A: In 1881 we instituted a system of a fortnight’s holiday, but it was only twice taken advantage of, our officers being too, too busy to take advantage of such luxuries.

With best wishes for the holiday season!

Bruce, Amie & Garry

Local History team

Leichhardt Council