Historical information

Information about the dating of this photograph was provided by the 'Ask A Librarian' service of the State Library of Victoria. The Scripture Referendum was held on the same day as the Victorian Parliamentary Elections, in which J. Bowser ran against A.K. Buckley for a seat in the legislative assembly in the electoral district of Wangaratta and Rutherglen. The Scripture Referendum had three questions:
"1. Are you in favour of the Education Act remaining as at present, strictly secular?
2. Are you in favour of such legislation as shall cause the scheme of Scripture lessons recommended by the Royal Commission on Religious Instruction to be taught in State schools during school hours to children whose parents desire the teaching (such lessons would be given subject to a conscience clause exempting teachers who object)?
3. Are you in favour of the prayers and hymns selected by the Royal Commission being used?" [source of text - Victorian Year-Book 1904. page 29]

Physical description

Black and white postcard sized photograph mounted on light cardboard. Photograph is of a group of men standing in front of shop "C.G. Nevill, Job Printer". Posters in the window are showing the results of "The Referendum", which has been identified as the Scripture Referendum held in Victoria on 1st June 1904. Poster in window at the right of the photo advertises a performance of Maggie Moore in Struck Oil, to be performed in the Town Hall on Saturday, 18th February 1904.

Inscriptions & markings

On bottom of mount: "A.E. Nevill, Rutherglen" Written on back of mount: "Mr M. Pascoe, Rutherglen, Vic."