Throughout the late 1800s, people of Melbourne thronged the northern side of Collins Street and promenaded along the footpath in their best clothes. Most days, in the afternoon, they strolled towards Elizabeth or Swanston streets, greeting friends they passed. The practice was so popular that it was considered to be a ‘notable institution in Melbourne’.
As it rose in popularity, so did the criticism. Despite it being a pastime of all people, most of the disapproval was aimed at
