Jolly & Batchelor Premises (former)

In 1888 Queensland imported £179,000 worth of boots and shoes, and at that time there were more than 140 other boot making establishments in Brisbane, although many of these were individual bootmakers working from their own house or small workshop. In 1888 there were 18 small boot factories throughout Queensland; in 1897 that number had increased to 39, employing 1 546 people. Competition in the boot making industry was fierce. During the 1890s clothing and textile manufacturers formed the largest group within Brisbane's manufacturing sector, employing over 40 per cent of the industrial workforce.  The boot trade represented a large sub-group within this division, employing 29 per cent of the clothing and textile workforce. 

Mechanisation occurred in several Brisbane industries during the 1890s.  It was most extensive in the boot trade, where its introduction was expedited by the 1895 bootmakers strike.  Unionists had complained of poor conditions in boot factories for several years.  Employers refused to meet union demands, resulting in a series of unsuccessful strikes.  This culminated in a 14-week strike from May to August 1895 involving 400 men and virtually bringing the whole industry in Brisbane to a standstill.  The workers' efforts were wasted however, and starvation eventually forced the men to return to work on management's conditions, which included a reduction in wages.  When the mechanisation of the industry followed soon after, many men lost their jobs.  Boys were employed in large numbers, and teamwork, involving specialisation of labour was introduced.  

By 1897, when this factory was established in South Brisbane, those still working for wages were receiving up to 35 per cent below the reduced rate agreed upon after the 1895 strike. At the same time only £51,097 worth of boots and shoes were imported, a reduction in nine years of £128,000, brought about largely by the increase in domestic manufacture.

After the death of James Freeman in 1893, Arthur Freeman took his place in the company, and the business continued to trade under its original name. An additional mortgage was taken out in 1900 for £810, but the death of Arthur Freeman in 1909 brought the partnership to an eventual end. By 1911 a new firm of Astill and Simpson Limited controlled the business, but this was shortlived and in 1914 title reverted to Joseph Astill & Co Limited. Trade continued under this name until 1944 when the company became known as J & R Astill (Pty) Ltd. In 1964 the business was sold to Jolly and Batchelor Pty Limited, a leather manufacturing company. The premise continued to operate as part of the leather goods manufacturing industry until its sale in 1994. Although now used for other purposes, the structure’s exposed brickwork, internal posts and beams remain as a reminder of the significance of this industry.