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Territory trades unions were vigorously opposed to the administration of Dr John Gilruth

Territory trades unions, led by Harold Nelson, were as vigorously opposed to the administration of Dr John Gilruth as they were to the Vestey company meatworks. In November 1918, after Gilruth refused to allow Darwin's barmaids time off for the town celebrations of the end of the Great War, the conflict erupted and demonstrators massed in Liberty Square, in front of Government House. The crisis resulted in the withdrawal of the Gilruths from Darwin in February 1919 and soon after, the rebel unionists also forced the departure of Judge Bevan and other senior officials. Imprisoned for his 'no taxation without representation' campaign, Harold Nelson won the first Territory seat in the House of Representatives in 1922 and held the seat until 1934. His son, Jock Nelson, later won the seat, and in 1973 became the first Territorian to be appointed Administrator.
Location: Northern Territory Archives Service  [F433, Item 24]
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