Scarlet Runner

by Lily Ennis

‘But you can’t!’ she exclaimed. ‘Family first, Miss Bell. People will talk.’ Sybil waved her arms at the street. ‘I don’t come here lightly. I don’t want people to see me associate with striking miners, let alone a ringleader.’

  ‘Oh, I didn’t realise this was about you.’

  ‘Don’t be impertinent young lady. Archie needs a strong woman of his own to keep him in line. I shouldn’t be the one.’

  ‘Won’t I do?’

  Sybil huffed and turned to leave but Mary was starting to enjoy herself.

  ‘Do you know what it’s like to believe in something, Mrs. Wright? To really believe in something so that the very core of your being becomes integral to that belief? To have a conviction so powerful that to take away the cause is to take away your soul? Did you not fight for women’s suffrage? Did you not throw yourself into the Temperance Union? I thank God that this struggle, this struggle for working class emancipation has fallen on my watch.’

  Sybil was slack-jawed and Mary continued.

  ‘You sit it your ivory tower cushioned from the harsh realities of life because you had the good fortune to marry an accountant. Well lucky you. What right do you have to judge me because I have the temerity to act upon my convictions! What right do you have to tell Archie what he can and can’t do? And as for you trying to find him a wife that you approve of, well, he laughs at you. He is not a toy for you to pull a string and watch him dance to your tune. Mrs. Wright, go out into the streets and talk to miner’s wives, pick up their babies, hand them a loaf of bread. Don’t you stand on this door step and judge those of whom you know nothing.’

  Sybil retreated to the path and rocked the perambulator which Ralphie sat on. She refused to be beaten even though her hands trembled. ‘I think, Miss Bell, we should suspend the piano lessons forthwith.’

  She marched off with as much dignity as she could muster. Mary gently closed the door and leaned with her back against it, and took several deep breaths before allowing herself a smile.

  Chapter Twelve

  The committee set up in a corner of the Miners’ Union Hall. William was triumphant. ‘The first strike pay will be paid today,’ he told the committee. ‘In addition some wages will be in the form of groceries. The Federation has purchased goods wholesale which is a great saving to our men.’

  Archie drew in a long breath. ‘That won’t make the local grocers very happy.’

  ‘True,’ William replied. ‘But we can’t look a gift horse in the mouth.’

  William read from the telegram in his hand. ‘We’ve got support from the Granity Miners’ Union, the Lyttleton Watersiders, the Canterbury Labourers’ Union, the Timaru Watersiders, the Manawatu Flaxmillers, the Wellington Tramwaymen, the Karangahake Miners, the Westport Labourers’ Union, the Dunedin Waterside Workers and the Wellington Wharf Workers.’

  The men broke into smiles and congratulated themselves.

  ‘Finally,’ William continued. ‘The Thames Miners’ Union, which has four thousand pounds in their coffers, has generously donated twenty pounds.’

  ‘The stinking rats,’ exclaimed Garrick.

  Archie shook his head in disbelief. ‘It just shows you that we have work to do. How can so many unions be with us and Thames effectively be against us? It doesn’t make sense.’

  A plaintiff call in the street distracted them. A paper boy yelled out the headline. ‘Auckland Engine Drivers Allow Firemen. Auckland Engine Drivers...’

  The men rushed out into the street and Ian gave the boy a coin. They pored over the article.

  ‘Well, that’s it then,’ said Archie. ‘The proposed Waihi Engine Drivers’ Union cannot now legally be registered. It’s black and white. There cannot be two unions of the same type in an industrial district.’

  William pointed to the page. ‘It says that the Minister of Labour has been advised of the decision and the matter of the Waihi registration now rests with him.’

  Garrick pulled away from the paper. ‘What if the Waihi Engine Drivers join the Auckland Engine Drivers? They’d be entitled to.’

  ‘They’d still be against us,’ said Archie. ‘The point must not be lost that they belong to the Waihi Trade union of Workers and we will not tolerate their insolent departure from our ranks.’

  ‘So we wait,’ said Garrick.

  ‘Aye,’ William agreed. ‘We wait.’

  * * *

  Gerald let himself quietly in the back door. He could hear music being played on the gramophone and smiled. Music was such a part of Nell he couldn’t imagine her without it. She was consumed by music and he loved that.

  She hadn’t heard him arrive and when he entered the room she had her back to him stoking the fire. Gerald sidled up to her, his hands brushing the delicious curves of her rump. He kissed her neck and she turned into him.

  Slowly Gerald undid the buttons on her blouse and helped her out of it. Then she stepped out of her skirt. Gerald traced the lines of her corset with his fingertips until they came to rest on her warm breasts that plumped up above the garment.

  The music stopped and the only sounds were the roar of the fire and the groan of Nell as she dropped to her knees pulling Gerald down with her.

  They spent the next two hours in each other’s embrace; loving, exploring and satisfying, the light of the fire playing over their bodies as they rolled on the sheepskin. Gerald wouldn’t let Nell talk, consuming her with kisses each time she threatened to whisper something. But she was happy not to talk, to let their bodies speak instead. Their minutes together were much too precious to waste with talk.

  They’d talked plenty in the early days, under the unsuspecting eye of Emily. When Nell became a close friend of Emily during the Christian Women’s Temperance days she had spent plenty of time at the Bell house, always talking. Neither she nor Gerald realised they were falling in love. She was younger than Gerald and a widow, and he was clearly happy with his life. But it was the most natural thing in the world to fall in love with Gerald and now, how she loved him still. If this was the only way to fulfil that love, so be it.

  Gerald was a generous lover. He surprised Nell frequently with jewellery. Nell had no doubt that Gerald loved her as much as she loved him.

  The fire burnt itself out and Gerald traced his hands over the entire length of Nell’s body before reluctantly announcing he had to go.

  When Gerald returned home talk was of the day’s events. The miners had called a meeting to discuss wages.

  ‘That seems a bit optimistic,’ said Gerald.

  ‘Why?’ asked Mary.

  ‘Because all the contracts have been cancelled as per the contracts which state that in the event of a stop work of forty eight hours the contracts may be cancelled.’

  Percy was intrigued. ‘Why are they discussing wages now, Dad? I thought the miners went on strike because the engines drivers went out on their own.’

  Emily smiled. ‘Out of the mouths of babes.’

  Gerald rounded on Mary. ‘Why do you think that is, Mary?’ he asked.

  Mary bristled. ‘I’m sure I don’t know. Although, they must be ready to go back to work if they’re discussing wages.’

  ‘Then Jack and I can be friends again,’ Percy said.

  Gerald was suddenly tired. The talk went round and round, everyone hoping for the best in their own little world. As he excused himself he imagined Nell lying in her bed, her porcelain skin glowing hot from their loving.

  * * *

  Garrick, Leonard and Buster shared a whisky with the owner of the stables, Blue Harris. The pit ponies had been housed here since the first afternoon of the strike. Garrick was always a keen horseman and he found himself at the stables more than anywhere else these days. It was especially appealing that Blue kept a still at the back of the property.

  Percy called in most days after school now that Jack’s was out of bounds. His father didn’t say he was to go straight home from school and as he wasn’t inclined to it didn’t take him long to find where to spend an hour. He soon became
invaluable to Blue grooming the horses.

  Garrick wasn’t always there when Percy stopped by but if he was Percy was pleased. Garrick was fun to be around, even if he was on the other side of the strike, and he seemed so knowledgeable about things. Percy thought it best not to let his parents know where he went after school.

  Percy rushed into the stables and slung his satchel on a hook. He hollered a greeting to Blue as he walked past the stalls to Dobbin at the end. He glanced to the corner and smiled. The boys were sitting on straw bales having a wee dram, their faces grim.

  ‘What’s up?’ asked Percy.

  It was Garrick who replied. ‘Bad news. The union’s been registered.’

  ‘But it can’t be,’ Percy exclaimed. He looked each man in the eyes but they all confirmed. ‘It can’t,’ he repeated.

  Garrick poured a splash of whisky in a glass gave it to Percy, who didn’t quite know what to do with it. He’d longed for the day when the boys saw him as a man, but he wasn’t expecting it today. Garrick didn’t dwell on Percy however.

  ‘The Federation wasn’t expecting it,’ said Garrick. ‘But they’ve been dragging their feet. They’re going to have to start talking to the mine owners.’ He downed a shot then sucked in a mouthful of air through clenched teeth. ‘It’s going to get nasty boys, very nasty indeed.’

  Part Three June 9

  Chapter Thirteen

  The Miners’ Union Hall was packed to standing room only as miners and their wives, some with children, crowded in. They wouldn’t be quietened. Others were left in the street pushing against the door trying to hear. Pickets mobbed the street outside. Miners had been busy during the day with the outside of the hall littered with graffiti and what had been a prominent God Save the King sign changed to God Save J. B. King, an activist with the Wobblies who had recently been in town.

  The strike committee occupied the stage. Archie shared William’s apprehension. The miners were angry and who could blame them. They wanted to be heard and they needed someone to listen. William anticipated this depth of feeling so for tonight’s meeting had invited Jim Campbell, president of the Federation of Labour and Desmond Nickleback, president of the Auckland General Labourers’ Union.

  William appealed for calm. ‘I reiterate I have not resigned as vice-president of the Federation as Jim here can testify. The newspapers are full of untruths. I urge you to trust your strike committee to give you the absolute truth. The Federation has been behind us and is still behind us one hundred percent. We vigorously tried to prevent the registration of the Waihi Engine Drivers and Firemens’ Union. It is untenable that it has been registered. The Minister of Labour is clearly in error, for it is the law that only one such union can be registered in each district.’

  The crowd erupted. There was talk of the Minister rescinding the decision to which William replied that the Federation and this Workers’ Union would most certainly encourage the Minister to do.

  Archie surveyed the crowd and was startled to see Mary seated near the back with Thomas on her knee and Fanny standing in front of her so they only took up one seat. He’d left Mary giving the children their dinner so he could attend this meeting. She hadn’t mentioned coming, perhaps anticipating his objection.

  Jim Campbell took the stage and pledged support for the union and the miners. He undertook to speak to unions outside the town in order to collect funds and he urged the men to remain strong.

  Desmond Nickleback echoed those sentiments. ‘You are not alone in this,’ he said. ‘My union and many others all over the country believe you have been treated abominably by the Waihi Engine Drivers and now also by the Minister of Labour.’

  ‘What’s the company doin’ about it?’ a voice rang out. The crowd erupted.

  ‘That’s a good question,’ said Ian taking the stage. ‘Of course we asked George Graham, president of the Goldmine Owners’ Association, to come here tonight to address your concerns.’ Ian dramatically swept his arms across the stage. ‘As you can see he did not show.’

  The crowd booed and bellowed. It took Ian a while to calm them enough to continue. ‘I can tell you however, that a conference has been arranged between the Federation and the Goldmine Owners’ Association. It is unlikely that George Graham will continue his ludicrous accusation that the Waihi Trade Union of Workers will work amicably with the Waihi Engine Drivers and Firemens’ Union.’ The crowd cheered.

  William took centre stage once more. ‘On the meeting with the Goldmine Owners’ Association; if I could explain. The Federation telegrammed the Association to set up a meeting. However, the telegram appeared not to make its destination or in fact, the telegraph office. Unfortunately the boy entrusted with such messages spent the money on lollies and as two or three boys were involved on this occasion the charge could not be brought home to one particular individual.’ A snigger rippled through the hall.

  Finally someone put a motion to the floor that the union endorse the actions of the Federation. This was seconded and discussed at great length, eventually swinging to the complete opposite. Archie proposed that the safest plan would be to withdraw the motion since if it went to a vote it would surely lose. Then it would look like the Federation doesn’t have the support of the union when it undoubtedly gets reported upon and appears in the press. The mover and seconder agreed to withdraw it.

  William addressed the crowd. ‘I’m aware of the lateness of the hour. This committee is resolute that we will strike until we achieve unity. We thank you all for remaining solid. There being no more business tonight I declare the meeting closed.’

  Archie leaped off the stage and made his way to Mary. She was crushed in the throng as the crowd moved onto the street. Fanny started to cry and clung tightly to her skirts.

  ‘Mary,’ Archie called. ‘Mary.’

  Mary sucked in the fresh air as she stepped into the night and set Thomas down. Fanny grabbed the little boy’s hand. Suddenly Archie was at Mary’s side and he placed his arm gently on her elbow as he guided her away from the bustle.

  ‘I was surprised to see you,’ he said.

  ‘I’m sorry,’ Mary replied. ‘I should have asked you. About the children I mean.’

  Archie wanted to stop her in her tracks, take her face in both his hand and kiss her on the mouth. He wanted to tell her it didn’t matter, that he knew she was there for him. He wanted to see her grey eyes laugh like diamonds at his touch. But tonight was not a jubilant night; it was not a night for untested love.

  ‘Well at least it’s Sunday tomorrow,’ he said.

  She walked on taking Fanny by the hand. Archie hoisted Thomas onto his shoulder. Mary smiled but she could not look into Archie’s chocolate eyes lest she reveal her fluttering heart.

  * * *

  Mary waited at the school gate with Thomas and several mothers. Today the tension between the women seemed greater than yesterday, and there was a definite separation between the wives of the strikers and the others.

  The bell rang and the children spilled out of the classrooms. Mary watched Jack amble up the grass bank alone towards home. Percy walked slowly up the steps to Mary. He dug his hands deep into his pockets.

  ‘What’s the matter Perce?’ asked Mary.

  Percy scuffed a shoe on the path. ‘Look around you, Mary,’ he said. ‘The only person in school anywhere near my age is Jack and he’s not allowed to be my friend, nor I his.’

  ‘Oh rubbish. There are lots of boys your age.’

  ‘Well they’re not Jack!’ Percy cried.

  ‘No, they aren’t. And I bet if you talked to some of them I’m sure you’ll find another friend.’

  ‘Too late.’

  ‘What do you mean? Why is it too late?’

  ‘It’s a battleground now,’ said Percy.

  Mary took another look at the children. They had formed into cliques and parted as they walked towards the gate. A voice rang out to the left of her.

  ‘Don’t you talk to her, Lucy.’ It was the blacksmith’s wife instru
cting her daughter not to talk to the daughter of a miner.

  Percy reproached his sister. ‘See?’

  ‘I’m sorry, Percy,’ said Mary. ‘I didn’t realise.’

  ‘That’s because you hide away in Archie Wright’s house and have no care for the rest of us.’

  ‘That’s not true,’ Mary replied. ‘I do care.’

  ‘Then why are you against us?’ Percy cried.

  At that moment Fanny ran to Mary. At least she looked happy, Mary thought. The girl was too young to understand, thankfully.

  Mary took the girl by the hand and started to walk home but Fanny’s teacher, Meg Binnie, called out. ‘Ladies, could I have a quick word before you leave?’

  Meg was diminutive and blonde, a sharp contrast to her brother Garrick. ‘I must ask you not to voice your opinions in front of the children. They have to get along with each other. They are at school all day with nowhere else to go. Their parents are fighting the parents of their friends but they don’t need to fight. Let them be children. Please.’

  Mary watched Percy trudge into town. Perhaps he had a harder time of it than she realised. He was a bright lad: he had a good understanding of the facts. That made it hard for him. He wasn’t a pawn in his father’s game, or was he?

  ‘Mary!’ It was Meg. ‘You know there’s a dance tomorrow night. Ernie is taking me. Garrick was wondering whether you might like to go with him.’

  ‘Goodness!’ Mary flushed red. She’d never given Garrick a second glance. She’d never tell Meg that Garrick was too rough and ready for her, although he was roguishly handsome. Thank goodness though that he’d made an approach through Meg.

  ‘I’m afraid not, Meg,’ Mary replied. ‘I promised Archie I’d help him with a speech.’

  It was as surprising to Mary as it was to Meg. It wasn’t inconceivable that she would help Archie but it was outlandish that she should lie like that, and so naturally too.

  Meg gave Mary a little squeeze on her arm and the smile on Meg’s face spoke volumes. As Mary walked Fanny and Thomas home she reflected on the events of the last two days. The world had become very complicated.