The Christchurch Riots
The Christchurch riots were the result of the Tramways Union adding to the unemployment rate creating tension within the city.
Cathedral Square, Christchurch. A couple of strikers who have been arrested
being taken from court in a Black Maria
7 May 1932
Christchurch was also struck by protests and riots. The Christchurch Tramways Union was tangled in an industrial disturbance after many employees were fired in May 1932. 12 men were dismissed, one of the fired men was the Tramway Union president Jock Mathison. Protestors gathered to voice their fury over the Tramways Union in Cathedral Square where police acted out creating clashes between the two sides. The protestors fought back with violence using weapons such as iron bars and stones to defend themselves against the police. A number of riots took place resulting in more damage to Christchurch. Damaging acts were being taken place such as arson, harm to trams and shops. Around 1,500 Specials were called to deal with the violent crowd and 38 rioters were arrested. None of the demands of the strikers were unfortunately met after a long 13 days of protesting. On the smaller scale the UWM’S Anti Eviction Committee had forms of protest as well. A hunger march in 1934 from Gisborne to Wellington gathered national attention, however this did not spark any interest from the Government.