Whether in the lockout of 1909, the struggle for the 44 hour week, the fight against military conscription during the grim period of the war, the titanic struggle of 1919-20 in which the seven hour day and compensation rights were won, or in the various other skirmishes through which the workers of Broken Hill have forged ahead, the campaigns against non unionism or political contests, members of the club have been steadfast in the rank and file or influential in leadership, all of which portrays the fact that the environment of the club has remained true to its objective. Of the club's members who have left their mark in the affairs of Broken Hill to the credit of us all we cannot allow this souvenir to see the light without the revival of the memory of Percy Brookfield, whose lamented death on the fateful morning of March 21, 1921, shook this city to the foundations of its emotions.
In 1937 the club was in a sound position. It had a library, reading room, card room, billiard room and on August 29, 1937 the new refreshment Island bar was officially opened, constructed by Les Radfords and Sons Contractors, and was the best of its kind in the state.
In 1937 the club included men of various places of origin and in this regard it may be noted that from whatever far flung outpost of the world, or nearest, these members have come, they have found in the club full citizenship and no longer strangers in a strange land, have played and are playing their part with us all in the union or Labor movement of the town.
Sixty-two years on the Barrier Social Democratic Club has about 5, 000 members and it is an outstanding family club in the Broken Hill area, providing a great club and a sporting facility for the people of Broken Hill. There is also a bistro entertainment centre, an all new kids room and they also own the Golf and Country Club with an 18 hole fully grassed course. The Club has come a long way since its establishment in 1903.
I must mention that today the club has no affiliation with the Labor Party or any political party.
END
NEXT