Story: Canterbury region

Controlling the watersiders’ strike

Controlling the watersiders’ strike

The 1913 waterside workers’ strike affected ports throughout New Zealand. Special constables – often farmers – were recruited by the government to load and unload ships and control strikers. About 700 special constables occupied Lyttelton. This procession of mounted constables through central Christchurch was possibly intended to warn strikers and their sympathisers of the government’s resolve.

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Christchurch City Libraries
Reference: PhotoCD 2, IMG0031

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How to cite this page:

John Wilson, 'Canterbury region - Politics and government', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/10348/controlling-the-watersiders-strike (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by John Wilson, reviewed & revised 6 Jul 2015