Lot 516

Description

N.Z.F.U (New Zealand Farmers' Union) Auckland, Special Constabulary, c1913, shield cast in bronze (21.5x23cm) (cfO.10/56). Very fine and probably unique.

The Great Strike of 1913 was in fact a series of strikes beginning in mid-October 1913. It was one of New Zealand's most violent and disruptive industrial confrontations. Between 14,000 and 16,000 workers went on strike, out of a population of just over one million.

The strikers were opposed by the New Zealand Employers' Federation and the Farmers' Union. Farmers and rural labourers formed the core of the Mounted Special Constabulary, derisively known as 'Massey's Cossacks'. The specials were sent into the main urban centres to open up the wharves. Prime Minister William Massey's government gave full state backing to defeating the striking unions.

The strike began with the watersiders and the miners unions. Later joined by seamen, drivers and builders' labourers. The strike affected most port towns and coal-mining settlements. The strike, which was called off on 20 December, ended in the complete defeat of the unionists.

See Oldham 10/56 for a silver breast badge with the same design as per following lot.