The. development of industry and the associated ..
problems of sweated labour within the newly developed
industries are examined. The emerging awareness of
the working class of the necessity for trade union
organisation in order to safeguard their right~ to a
reasonable standard of living and the organisation of
these trade unions is discussed. The rise of confidence
among trade unionists and their involvement in
the Maritime Strike of 1890 emerges as a critical
influence. The defeat of the unions in the strike and
the subsequent move towards political representation
by working men emerges during the late 1880 1s. The
alliance between Liberal and Labour influences in
parliament is discussed