Story: City images

Massey's Cossacks

Massey's Cossacks

The 1913 waterfront dispute saw wharf workers take over the main ports and stop trade. Prime Minister William Massey called for farmers and rural labourers to enlist as special constables to help regain control of the wharves, pitting town against country. This group of special mounted constables nicknamed 'Massey's Cossacks' were the Levin Troop, and included future military hero and governor-general Bernard Freyberg (second from right).

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: O.030460

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Ben Schrader, 'City images - City versus country, 20th century', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/25295/masseys-cossacks (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Ben Schrader, published 11 Mar 2010