Eureka 34, 1888

The 1880s saw an upsurge of nationalistic feeling and the strong growth of the Labour Movement. Many Meetings supporting Labour were held where Eureka Flags were flown. This was in the lead up to Federation in 1901. A leading newspaper wrote:

Our national day should be celebrated not on January 26 but on December 3, the date on which in 1854 the diggers in revolt against unjust and tyrannical authority had furnished a precedent to Australia, which all Australians worthy of the name should inscribe the letters of indelible print within the red-leaved tablets of their hearts ...