associations has been demonstrated repeatedly, and the interest of women in public affairs is in conspicuous evidence."[A] Working women are, however, already in a better position in Victoria than in any other part of the world. As long ago as 1873 an Act was passed forbidding the employment of any female for more than eight hours in any day in a factory. Nowhere is the factory worker, whether man or woman, better looked after as to his wages, personal safety, health, and moral surroundings than in Victoria.[B] A little over 33% of all the women in the state are employed in factories, earning an average wage of 17s. 4d. a week.
In any comparison of labour conditions at home and in Australia it must be borne in mind that though foodstuffs cost about the same, imported manufactured goods of all kinds are dearer. The higher wages are not therefore proportionately greater in purchasing power. They have, however, been much affected by the institution of Wages Boards. These were first established in 1896 with the definite object of
[Footnote A: Dr. J. W. Barrett, C.M.G., M.D., in the "Handbook to Victoria."]
[Footnote B: See Mr. H. M. Murphy, Chief Inspector of Factories, on the "Victorian Labour Laws," "Handbook to Victoria," p. 203.]
