A "monster meeting" was not a convention of hairy scary types, rather it was a term used in the nineteenth century to describe a public meeting or rally that attracted thousands of people.

What is quite extraordinary for us today in the twenty-first century is imagining these meetings. For example, how did people hear what was being said? Was everyone listening and silent, or did people relay the messages back through the crowd? Also, in the era before mobile phones, the internet, radio and television, how did people find out about these kinds of events? How common were posters like these? Were notices put in newspapers or did people print pamphlets, or was word-of-mouth more important in spreading news?

Further Information

DOWN WITH THE LICENSE FEE!

DOWN WITH DESPOTISM!

“WHO SO BASE AS BE A SLAVE?”

on

WEDNESDAY NEXT

The 29th Instant, at Two o’clock,

A MEETING

Of all the DIGGERS, STOREKEEPERS, and Inhabitants of Ballarat generally, will be held

ON BAKERY HILL

For the immediate Abolition of the License Fee and the speedy attainment of the other objects of the Ballarat Reform League. The report of the Deputations which have gone to the Lieutenant-Governor to demand the release of the prisoners lately convicted, and to Creswick and Forest Creek, Bendigo, &c., will also be submitted at the same time.

All who claim the right to a voice in the framing of the Laws under which they should live, are solemnly bound to attend the Meeting and further its objects to the utmost extent of their power.

N.B. Bring your Licenses, they may be wanted.

Printed at the “Times” Office, Bakery Hill, Ballarat