Antiquarian Auctions

Auction #114 begins on 11 Apr 2024

Not Indicated

STRIKE ALBUM Johannesburg, July, 1913.

Published: Central News Agency, Johannesburg, 1913

Edition: First

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A pamphlet publication of the 1913 strike and disturbances on the Witwatersrand and Johannesburg. A document of 32 pages including four pages of period adverts published by the Central News Agency.  Coverage includes the story of the strike, a casualty list, a Johannesburg central district map of the "area of disturbance" and 14 pages of contemporary black and white photographs.

Printed by the Transvaal Leader, Harrison Street, Johannesburg. Paper wrappers torn around edges but the pages inside in very good condition.

"The events took place from late May 1913 to early July. The account in this small pamphlet has a journalistic immediacy of "the man on the spot" observations of what happened, why and what were the consequences. It's a fairly even handed factual analysis, but comes down heavily on the side of law and order and condemns the anarchy of public disturbance and violence. There were 21 deaths of miners and bystanders, though organized labour made much of the panoply of public mourning and a grand funeral. Almost all deaths were the result of rifle fire by the military or police. Some people killed, such as a pianist, a photographer, a dentist's apprentice and two commercial travelers were unlucky to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and caught in the cross fire.

The Rand Club came under attack, the Star newspaper offices were burnt down, railway headquarters and Park station were another scene of battle and two gunsmiths shops (Loveday Street and President Streets) were looted.

The fascinating elements were the power of organized labour vs the power of mine owners, the readiness of civic forces (police and the Union Defence Force) to respond with firepower, the intensity of the violence and the longer term political consequences. The excitement of the moment was rapidly captured in a souvenir pamphlet but with a lighter touch also showing adverts promoting Mazawattee Tea, Sunbeam boot polish, Dee And Ess Cocoa, stylish suits, furniture from Geen and Richards, and Cuthbert's shoes." (Taken from the Heritage Portal)

  • Sold By: Mantis Books
  • Contact Person: Charl Yates
  • Country: South Africa
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Telephone: 0833219905
  • Preferred Payment Methods: EFT & Paypal
  • Trade Associations: AA Approved


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