Sport and Leisure

Geelong Tramways Postal Employees Football Team, 1926

Sporting events were a feature of the Eight Hour Day celebrations. Foot races were popular as were cycling events from the 1880s Shorter working hours in the 1870s - for those who won a half day holiday from I p.m on Saturdays - saw a rapid growth of football with thousands of spectators thronging to sports grounds. A pattern of weekend leisure activities evolved that included sporting competitions, often associated with betting; outdoor activities like fishing; shopping; and going to hotels, theatres and dance venues.