Originally Posted by
Ruck'n'Roll
Just between you me and the fencepost bloodspirit, I suspect the original reason for celebrating 1874 instead of 1867 may have something to do with Catholicism.
In the interests of brevity -
19th century Melbourne was settled by free (as distinct from convict) labour and was predominantly protestant, and therefore prone to teetotalism. The gold rush made it far wealthier, but also increased the size and make-up of it's population.
The Albert Park / South Melbourne area had a working class Irish immigrant taint, with a strong (but not universal) Catholic presence and had no issues with grog.
The 1867/Red-and-White club was founded in a pub and even elected a couple of office bearers with Irish surnames.
Despite, or perhaps because of this . . .
The 1874/Blue-and-White club was founded in a Temperance Hall - no alcohol whatsoever and no office bearers were elected with an Irish surname.
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