Throughout the 1890’s conferences had been held about the six colonies forming a federation, workers formed a large part of those who voted yes to the idea in the referendums held about it, the federation was formed on 1 January 1901.
Changes in Australian import and export affected waterside workers, as in they had more work.
As local manufacturing of clothing increased many women found work in factories.
The blacksmith was a familiar figure in city and towns when the horse was the main means of transport.
Women’s domestic work whether as a paid servant or a wife, mother or daughter was seen as a basic occupation. The telephonist back before it all went automatic was a new job mainly held by women.
Bread was known as the “staff of life” and during the 1890’s it was considered an important trade.
The increase in building work made trades such as carpentry and stonemasonry so important. Carpentry was used not only in the building of buildings but also in the creating of bridges, and fine furniture.
That is done with this series of post, there will be something different next Thursday.
joannerambling 
Dearest Jo-Anne,
Blacksmith is almost completely gone nowadays. As a child, on my way to school (walking) I passed a black smith and that special smell and also his use of tools made me and others often stop and watch him.
Telephonist was a typical female job indeed but how the world has changed!
Hugs,
Mariette
Yes times have changed and jobs like blacksmith are all but unheard of now days, and women can often do a so called men’s job as well as any man, they proved that during wars.
💞