the availability of such a large public space also saw the establishment of the eastern market 'as a people's forum, the site of open-air services, meetings, lectures and political demonstrations'. after the extension of voting rights to all white men in 1858 a meeting was held there to lobby for an extension of time for voter registration before the next election. and 'between 5,000 and 6,000 persons' attended an 1860 meeting to debate laws that would open up crown land for selection.