NEW SOUTH WALES MOUNTEDS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 7 December 1901, Page 4

NEW SOUTH WALES MOUNTEDS.

Soldiers on Strike.

“During our stay at Heilbron, the regiment has had two st ikes,” writes Trooper E. rt White, of “A” Squadron, N. S. W. Third Mounted ttifies, in South Africa.

“The first strike was at Standerton. At the beginning of our service here we were supplied with two blankets and a waterproof sheet. An order was issued that we were to hand back one of the blanke's and some of tne men at first refused then some non commissioned officers came round to gather them, but before they succeeded in their task nine of our men were jnade

prisoners. During the night the weather became cold, owing to a heavy storm, and after shivering for a while under the single' blanket, we discussed the situation and decided to rush the guard and get back what was taken from us. There was great excitement for the m mum, but we succeeded in our object) bid m*d« a cup ure of the bl-nkus. There was a feeling of sympathy for us amongst the Tommies, and when they were told to catch us they did not try very hard. The British officer, who was most anxious to show us that wo should not do that sort of thing, got a bad buster in the scramble—a fact which g-v-m general satisfaction, Asa result ho returned to his bed discomfited, and the New South w ales men cheered lustily at their success.

«In spite of this we were again badly treated very soon after. One day we were practising extended order, and returned to the camp at 5 p.m., tired. Orders came that we had to move off at 6 o’clock, and for the following day’s ration one pound of flour was issued. As there was barely an hour to cook the ration (having no wood), to saddle up, etc, we refused to obey the command. The whole of the squadron (N.B.W. third M.R.) struck. They lined up, and the officers stated the case of the men. Wo were told then to go back, and that our case would be officially considered. In 60 seconds biscuits were allowed us, thus relieving the situation and putting an end to the strike. The Tommies were amazed at our temerity. They stood openmouthed as we told the officers we refused to obey duty unless we were given the biscuits. If they had, they said, been guilty of the same thing, 12 months’ imprisonment, with hard labor, would have been their lot.