As a leading trade unionist from the 1930s until his death in 1963, Fintan Patrick Walsh established himself as one of the most powerful figures in New Zealand. The ruthless way he dealt with opposition aroused great loathing in his enemies.
Fintan Patrick Walsh
Personal details
Full Name:
Fintan Patrick Walsh
Lifetime:
13 Aug 1894 – 16 May 1963
Biography
Articles
The 1951 waterfront dispute
The 1951 waterfront dispute was the biggest industrial confrontation in New Zealand’s history. Although it was not as violent as the Great Strike of 1913, it lasted longer – 151 days, from February to July – and involved more workers. Read the full article
Page 2 - Countdown to confrontation
New Zealanders generally accepted the hardships and restrictions of the war years as necessary in the fight against fascism. After the war, though, many began to demand a greater
Page 4 - Division and defeat
The watersiders’ militancy had isolated them from most unionists and Walter Nash’s Labour Party Opposition sat uncomfortably on the fence, denouncing government repression but
Main image: Fintan Patrick Walsh caricature
The watersiders and their supporters condemned Federation of Labour strongman Fintan Patrick Walsh as a rat who betrayed the workers' cause.
