This week in history: 1894 shearers' strike

August 24, 2005
Issue 
639

On August 27, 1894, at Pooncarie in NSW, 300 striking sheep shearers burned and scuttled the river steamer PS Rodney.

The shearers had gone on strike to protest against an attempt by the Pastoralist Association to lower the rate they had been paying the shearers. The Rodney had been carrying scab labour up the Darling River to Polia Station.

Shortly afterwards, Billy McClean, a union shearer, was shot and wounded as he entered a shearing shed. He was charged with unlawful assembly and imprisoned, but was later released because he was dying from the bullet wound. Banjo Patterson's famous song "Waltzing Matilda" is based on events in this strike.

From 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ Weekly, August 24, 2005.
Visit the

You need 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳, and we need you!

91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ is funded by contributions from readers and supporters. Help us reach our funding target.

Make a One-off Donation or choose from one of our Monthly Donation options.

Become a supporter to get the digital edition for $5 per month or the print edition for $10 per month. One-time payment options are available.

You can also call 1800 634 206 to make a donation or to become a supporter. Thank you.