Overview
Wed Nov 5
Up early – Freyberg + I had another dip
[new page]
out on horse-lines. At 10 am we were called in parade – half the squadrons rode out to Lyell Bay via Adelaide Road + Constable St. We spent ¾ of an hour on the beach – Vincent, H D [Herbert Denton?], Freyberg + I and others bathed – fine breakers but cold. On way home, in Riddiford St, a fish monger, perched on the balcony of his shop, flung water over us + then hurled the bucket + tin bath into the street – his wife, good soul, flung a certain article of bed-room furniture at Mr Morgan Carkeek’s head from an upper window, but fortunately missed. At 3 pm we were again called upon to saddle up + the whole battalion of 8 squadrons – A to H – comprising 1000 horsemen paraded – an impressive sight – + proceeded through city via Webb, Cuba, Abel Smith, Willis + Featherston Sts. A great throng of people about, it being half holiday. In Cuba St a tram motor-man deliberately ran into a mounted “special” injuring the horse so that it had to be shot – the motor-man +
[new page]
conductor were arrested by police at point of pistol. In Featherston St the howling mob closed in on the rear of our column + soon the air was absolutely black with stones + other missiles – I never saw such a sight. The rear troops charged the mob and there were casualties on both sides – broken heads + stone wounds. At the intersection of Fatherston + Bunny Streets, a wharf-lumper kicked the horse of one of our troop who instantly batoned him, laying open his forehead. The wounded man was carried into the Railway Depart[ment] yard alongside + was medically attended to. To keep off the crowd who were jumping the fence, No 1 Troop of “F” Squadron were ordered to dismount + to charge on foot – we drove the intruders back at point of baton – most of the fellows (the rioters) were very scared + got out in quick time – the expressions on faces of the several I scattered were very funny. We then mounted guard over fence + some of the
[new page]
other mounted men cleared road of mob who now had had enough, finding that stone-throwing only brought on severe punishment. While the wounded man was being attended to, a well-dressed blackguard – who was afterwards identified by some of the “Specials” as Smith, MP for Waimarino – came in and used horrible language to S'gt-Major Young – we decided to report his conduct + this was afterwards done – we then passed him protesting over the fence injury though I suggested batoning him. The wounded wharf-lumper’s brother was present + howled + wept like a child, “Cruel, cruel, he’s an innocent man” etc – finally the pair sufficiently recovered to walk home. We then mounted horses again. At this juncture, the “Maunganui” came up to wharf + 32 race-horses were loaded by free labour. Seeing our determination to do this the Federation of Labour strike committee kindly gave us permission to do so – we were
[new page]
much moved. While guarding the wharf we had some mounted drill. The whole proceedings were watched by a large crowd of spectators, many at roof-tops and at windows of adjacent buildings. At 7.25 pm, the loading operations being complete, we left wharves + proceeded back to camp via Jervois Quay, Courtenay Place + Kent Terrace. On passing the fire-brigade station, the motor-engine came out for weekly drill – a brilliant sight. In Courtenay Place, a huge crowd of people were assembled, but owing to activities of strike pickets, who see futility of violence, we got nothing but insults which we ignored. Reached Barracks at 7.55 pm. In evening we were addressed by Mr Sykes, MP for Masterton + a new union – an “Arbitration” Watersiders Union – was formed to work steamers – about 50 of “special constables” joined to form nucleus – honest strikers to be admitted if they wish – pay £2-10-0 up to £5 + £6 per week possible – great
[new page]
enthusiasm over this simple + effective scheme. Wrote Maud + home.