Pages tagged with: waterfront dispute

Ships lie idle in Wellington Harbour during the waterfront industry dispute of 1951.

The watersiders and their supporters condemned Federation of Labour strongman Fintan Patrick Walsh as a rat who betrayed the workers' cause.

Loyalty card from the 1951 waterfront dispute

Holland became PM in 1949. A year later he abolished the Legislative Council, and in 1951, after winning the Waterfront Dispute, he increased his majority in a snap election.

Fintan Patrick Walsh, c1956. Walsh is perhaps best remembered as a controversial opponent of striking waterside workers during the bitter 1951 waterfront dispute.

As a leading trade unionist from the 1930s through to his death in 1963, Fintan Patrick Walsh established himself as one of the most powerful figures in New Zealand. His ruthless manner in dealing with opposition aroused great loathing in his enemies.

Prime Minister Sidney Holland declares a state of emergency during the 1951 waterfront dispute.

A truck carrying waterside workers enters a guarded gate during the 1951 waterfront dispute.

Union march at the intersection of Cuba and Dixon streets, Wellington, taken 2 May 1951 during the waterfront dispute

Tommy Wells addresses waterside workers at Parliament during the waterfront lockout.

Radio documentary about the 1951 waterfront dispute

Recommended links and publications relating to the 1951 waterfront dispute