The labour movement in Canterbury, 1880-1893.

Abstract

The. development of industry and the associated .. problems of sweated labour within the newly developed industries are examined. The emerging awareness of the working class of the necessity for trade union organisation in order to safeguard their right~ to a reasonable standard of living and the organisation of these trade unions is discussed. The rise of confidence among trade unionists and their involvement in the Maritime Strike of 1890 emerges as a critical influence. The defeat of the unions in the strike and the subsequent move towards political representation by working men emerges during the late 1880 1s. The alliance between Liberal and Labour influences in parliament is discussed.