Although I started out with the idea of avoiding strikes, we had not gone far before we found that was impossible. The first struggle we had was at Hindolveston. A Mr. Aberdeen set his men to cut some meadow grass and for this he offered them 3s. 6d. per acre. These terms the men rejected and a lock-out took place. I was informed and I sought an interview with the employer. This was scornfully refused and a message was sent out to me that if I went on to his place again he would set the dog on to me. I indignantly replied that I expected I was dealing with a gentleman, but regretted to find I was dealing with a man who was not sufficiently intelligent to treat another with respect. I also told him I was sure that in less than a week he would send for me and that I would then mete him out the respect he should have shown me. This was what did happen. The men would not consent to see him, but referred him to me. Within a week he sent for me and I settled the dispute by making arrangements for the men to receive 5s. per acre. That was my first effort as a leader and peace-maker. While the dispute lasted the men received the lock-out pay of 10s. per week. The next dispute was at Great Plumstead in the Norwich district and was of a more serious character for one hundred men came out in a demand for 1s. increase in wages. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed, but we found we were in for a very stiff fight. The Farmers' Federation found up a few men to fill the places of those on strike, but we were not dismayed. Enthusiastic meetings were held in every village covered by the Union, and at these songs written by members of Arch's Union were used by permission of those concerned. These were sung to well-known Sankey hymn tunes. One favourite song sung to the tune of "Dare to be a Daniel" was:-- Standing by a purpose true, Heeding your command, Honour them, the faithful men, All hail to the Union band. _Chorus._ Dare to be a Union man, Dare to stand alone. Dare to have a purpose firm, Dare to make it known. Another song we sung was "The Farmer's Boy":-- The sun went down beyond the hills, Across yon dreary moor. Weary and lame, a boy there came Up to a farmer's door. "Will you tell me if any there be That will give me employ, To plough and sow, to reap and mow, And be a farmer's boy?" Another was "The Labourer's Anthem." The sons of Labour in the land Are rising in their might. In every town they nobly stand, And battle for the right. For long they have been trampled on By money-making elves, But the time is come for everyone To rise and help themselves. _Chorus._ So now, you men, remember then, This is to be your plan. Nine hours a day and better pay. For every working man.