The AWA Hall (Amalgamated Worker's Association), later owned by The Waterside Workers' Federation. Port Pirie South Australia
Waterside Workers’ Federation Building
The Amalgamated Workers’ Association was formed in the late 1800s and the need for adequate headquarters was felt early this century. The foundation stone was laid in October 1911 by the Hon John Verran. The building was the headquarters of the Amalgamated Workers' Association whose members in Port Pirie had contributed 2d each per week towards the building fund. The Waterside Worker's Federation took over the building not long after it was completed. A cooperative store and bakery was set up in the ground floor of the building and rooms and hall were on the first floor.
Amalgamated Workers
Opening a New Hall
Port Pirie June 25
J Firmin Jenkins was the architect of this fine new hall in Florence Street, built for the Amalgamated Workers’ Association (the wharf workers) was opened by the Hon J Verran (leader of the Opposition yesterday. Shortly after 10 am the Excelsior Viceregal Band, under Bandmaster Gummow, and led by Drum Major O’Connell. headed a procession of the AWA who formed up opposite the hall and marched along the thoroughfares, returning by way of Alexandra Street. Nearly 300 members took part.
On the return of the procession the opening ceremony took place from the balcony of the new hall. A large crowd had assembled and despite a drizzling rain maintained its stand. The interior of the building was gaily festooned with bunting, which formed a striking contrast to the white masonry.
Mr Coffey, in introducing Mr Verran said when the foundation stone was laid last year by Mr Verran a promise, had been given that he would also declare the hall open. Unfortunately Mr Verran was out of office, but they had not turned him out but had asked him to preside that day. The workers of the Port had watched with interest the building of the hall. Although some of the so-called liberals had said it was too good for them, they knew that nothing was too good for the AWA.
Mr Verran, who was cordially received, said, although they sympathised with him in his position, he did not desire any sympathy, for he and his colleagues realised that it was far better to go out of office than do anything mean. They were not kicked out but went out. This they much preferred to sacrificing their principles. Their confidence in the success of their unity had been shown in the building of that handsome structure. That building had been erected so that the workers might gather to transact their business. and be their own landlord. That was far better than being liable to be turned out at the will of an owner.
The workers had as much right as the churches to have a building of their own. He hoped they would be honest men and not mean, Every stone in that hall was a monument to the living fundamental principles of the workers of South Australia, and the edifice would stand for the use of generations to come.
Mr Goode thanked the AWA for their invitation to be present. The hall was indeed a monument to their credit. He hoped it would be not only a meeting-place for the AWA, but for all the unions of Port Pirie. He was sorry it was not a Trades Hall, but the AWA, was to be congratulated upon being able to carry their efforts to so successful a conclusion.
Their lady friends had rendered loyal and excellent service. and the value of the furniture had been enhanced by the addition of a piano. The ladies had been largely instrumental in bringing the movement to a successful issue.
After a short interval a dinner was held in the council hall.
In the evening a social and dance were held in the Institute.
Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide SA)Thursday 27 June 1912.
Amalgamated Workers' Association Hall c1911
After paying £529 for the land a contract was signed with Messrs Jones, Crawford and Dunlop for the building of the hall in Florence Street.
The foundation stone was laid by the Premier of South Australia, the Hon J Verran, on 4 October 1911.
On Saturday 22 June 1912 the hall was opened by the Hon J Verran M.P. Leader of the Opposition
The AWA Hall (Amalgamated Worker's Association), later owned by The Waterside Workers' Federation. Port Pirie South Australia
Waterside Workers’ Federation Building
The Amalgamated Workers’ Association was formed in the late 1800s and the need for adequate headquarters was felt early this century. The foundation stone was laid in October 1911 by the Hon John Verran. The building was the headquarters of the Amalgamated Workers' Association whose members in Port Pirie had contributed 2d each per week towards the building fund. The Waterside Worker's Federation took over the building not long after it was completed. A cooperative store and bakery was set up in the ground floor of the building and rooms and hall were on the first floor.
Amalgamated Workers
Opening a New Hall
Port Pirie June 25
J Firmin Jenkins was the architect of this fine new hall in Florence Street, built for the Amalgamated Workers’ Association (the wharf workers) was opened by the Hon J Verran (leader of the Opposition yesterday. Shortly after 10 am the Excelsior Viceregal Band, under Bandmaster Gummow, and led by Drum Major O’Connell. headed a procession of the AWA who formed up opposite the hall and marched along the thoroughfares, returning by way of Alexandra Street. Nearly 300 members took part.
On the return of the procession the opening ceremony took place from the balcony of the new hall. A large crowd had assembled and despite a drizzling rain maintained its stand. The interior of the building was gaily festooned with bunting, which formed a striking contrast to the white masonry.
Mr Coffey, in introducing Mr Verran said when the foundation stone was laid last year by Mr Verran a promise, had been given that he would also declare the hall open. Unfortunately Mr Verran was out of office, but they had not turned him out but had asked him to preside that day. The workers of the Port had watched with interest the building of the hall. Although some of the so-called liberals had said it was too good for them, they knew that nothing was too good for the AWA.
Mr Verran, who was cordially received, said, although they sympathised with him in his position, he did not desire any sympathy, for he and his colleagues realised that it was far better to go out of office than do anything mean. They were not kicked out but went out. This they much preferred to sacrificing their principles. Their confidence in the success of their unity had been shown in the building of that handsome structure. That building had been erected so that the workers might gather to transact their business. and be their own landlord. That was far better than being liable to be turned out at the will of an owner.
The workers had as much right as the churches to have a building of their own. He hoped they would be honest men and not mean, Every stone in that hall was a monument to the living fundamental principles of the workers of South Australia, and the edifice would stand for the use of generations to come.
Mr Goode thanked the AWA for their invitation to be present. The hall was indeed a monument to their credit. He hoped it would be not only a meeting-place for the AWA, but for all the unions of Port Pirie. He was sorry it was not a Trades Hall, but the AWA, was to be congratulated upon being able to carry their efforts to so successful a conclusion.
Their lady friends had rendered loyal and excellent service. and the value of the furniture had been enhanced by the addition of a piano. The ladies had been largely instrumental in bringing the movement to a successful issue.
After a short interval a dinner was held in the council hall.
In the evening a social and dance were held in the Institute.
Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide SA)Thursday 27 June 1912.
Amalgamated Workers' Association Hall c1911
After paying £529 for the land a contract was signed with Messrs Jones, Crawford and Dunlop for the building of the hall in Florence Street.
The foundation stone was laid by the Premier of South Australia, the Hon J Verran, on 4 October 1911.
On Saturday 22 June 1912 the hall was opened by the Hon J Verran M.P. Leader of the Opposition