Definition of Massey's Cossacks in English:
Massey's Cossacks
plural nounˌmasɪz ˈkɒsaks
NZ historical Special constables drafted in to police mass demonstrations that took place during the general strike of 1913.
he'd been one of Massey's Cossacks during the waterfront strike
Example sentencesExamples
- He rode with farmers, the so-called 'Massey's Cossacks', to break a waterfront strike in 1913.
- There were riots in Wellington when the first of 'Massey's Cossacks' rode into town.
- "Massey's Cossacks" were used to beat strikers into submission, including Frederick Evans, who died following a police beating.
- The 1913 Waterfront Strike saw its biggest flashpoint in Wellington where Massey's Cossacks fought 'Red Feds' in the street.
- It marks one hundred years since the Great Strike and striking workers and Massey's Cossacks coming head to head on Wellington streets.
- Massey's Cossacks lost him votes in the town centre.
- They were hit by further strikes, similarly crushed, this time by “Massey's Cossacks.”
- It shows a column of 'Massey's Cossacks' in Hanson Street in Newtown, Wellington, in 1913.
- It was the strike force of Massey's Cossacks that rode into town to teach the strikers a lesson.
- This brutal display earned the specials the title of 'Massey's Cossacks'.
Origin
Early 20th century: named after Prime Minister William Massey (1856–1925) and with reference to the constables' infamous baton-swinging horseback charges.