For much of the 19th century and up until 1942 wharfies were hired as casual labourers at daily pick-ups. When there was little work only the strongest, least troublesome or those willing to ‘buy off’ the foreman were selected. The notorious pick-up at the intersection of Divett and Lipson Streets was known as ‘Poverty Corner’.

Today you can isten to the Singing Socialist Rex Munn re-enact a pick up at the Poverty Corner sound post sculpture.