This fabulous image by Ralph Snowball is part of Newcastle Libraries current exhibition ‘Publicans, Brewers, Winemakers and Teetotallers’ – a fascinating new exhibition exploring Newcastle’s breweries and winemaking history, as well as iconic hotel buildings and the anti-alcohol temperance movement. Exhibition runs until October 2022.

From the Newcastle Morning Herald 28 Sep 1905:

BREWERY EMPLOYEES’ PICNIC. The picnic promoted by the Newcastle branch of the Brewery Employees’ Union, held at Tyler’s grounds, Tomago, yesterday, was attended by between 500 and 600 persons, including employees and visitors from Maitland, and was an enjoyable and successful function. The gathering was carried out under the supervision of Mr. John Robson, as president, Mr. Chas. Stedson, vice-president, Mr. W. Davies, secretary, and Mr. F. Owen, treasurer, with a committee of eighteen. The steamers Guthrie and Rose were engaged for the occasion, and made three trips. The pavilion, on the ground, was utilised for dancing, and was well patronised, the music being provided by the City Band. At half-past one o’clock a substantial luncheon, prepared by Mr. J. Torpey, of Stockton, was partaken of by the committee, and visitors. The chair was occupied by Mr. Johnr Robson, president of the union. The chairman proposed the toast of “The King.” Mr. F. Owen then gave the toast of “The Visitors,” expressing pleasure at seeing so many representatives of the brewing firms present, and tendering them a hearty welcome. Mr. Nyman (Wood Bros.) responded, stating that such gatherings as the present tended to cement a good feeling between employers and employed. Mr. W. Davies then proposed “The day we celebrate,” pointing out that the employers had readily fallen in with the members’ request to grant them a holiday for their picnic, and had also promised to assist them in making it a success. Mr. A. F. Moore, president of the Aerated Water and Cordial Manufacturers’ Association, in acknowledging the toast, remarked that the employers were very pleased to work in harmony with the men, and would at all times grant them the holiday for their outing. The picnic had brought them together, and would tend to cement the cordial relations prevailing among them, and help to remove any petty jealousies that might exist. He hoped that the success which had attended their first picnic would be an incentive to them to make it an annual affair. Messrs. W. J. Arkins (Toohey Bros.), T. O’Donnell (Maitland Brewing Co.), Mr. Geo. Coleman (Wickham Aerated Works), Mr. Aisbett (Maitland Volcanic Aerated Works), Mr. Healey (Healey Bros.), and J. Hutchinson, jun., also endorsed Mr. Moore’s remarks. In proposing the toast of “The Donors,” the chairman thanked those who had pre-sented trophies and other articles for the benefit of the picnic, and the great assistance they had rendered. Mr. F. E. Moore (secretary Aerated Water and Cordial Manufacturers’ Association) acknowledged the toast, assuring the employees that it was a pleasure to assist them. The toasts of “The Chairman” and “The Press” having been honoured, the company separated. The Newcastle branch of the Brewery Employees’ Union has been in existence for about two years, and has a membership of 144, including those in Maitland. A programme of athletic sports was well carried out under the direction of Mr. J. Buchanan (secretary) and a large committee. The following are the results of the competitions: Employees’ Race.—W. Massey, 1; J. Massey, 2; J. Meredith, 3. Carters’ Race.—W. Groves, 1; J. Smith, 2; W. Hutchinson, 3. Committee’s Race.—F. Owen, 1; W. Mas-sey, 2; F. Rowan, 3. Union Boys’ Race.— R. Patmore, 1; F. North, 2; S. Drummond, 3. Boys’ Employed at the Trade.—W. Maskell, 1; C. Duncanson, 2. Married Ladies’ Race.—Mrs. Tate, 1; Mrs. Val, 2. Old Buffers’ Race.—H. Gouge, 1; E. Perry 2. Three-leg Race.—J. Buchanan and J. Stewart. Wives and Daughters’ Race.—Mrs. Hutchinson, 1; Mrs. Val, 2. Waltzing Contest.—J. Mason, 1; E. Davies, 2. Girls’ Race.—Ruby Jennings, 1; Jessie Laurence, 2.