Jarrow crusaders prepare to march through the south - where 'people don't have to tighten their belts'
‘I say this march is a good thing whether my head office or other people like it or not’
The tough north lay behind them. But the ‘easy’ south was ahead for the Jarrow marchers.
That was the message which was given to the 200 crusaders in a rousing speech before they left Sheffield on the journey to Chesterfield.
There were cheers as Major E.G. Whittaker, the chief Conservative agent for the Parliamentary Divisions of Sheffield, gave his speech.
He spoke about the news which had reached the marchers, that Parliament was not prepared to meet the men when they arrived in London.
“To the devil with that I say. I say this march is a good thing whether my head office or other people like it or not.”
Major Whittaker continued: “In a little while, you will be getting down into what I call the easy south where the people do not have to tighten their belts as we do up here.
“Whatever happens to the big people, I hope and trust that the small people throughout the country - people like ourselves who are fighting to live - will see to it that your march succeeds.”
After his talk, he handed a packet of either cigarettes or tobacco to each of the men.
The marchers had a breakfast of hot stew, ginger pudding and sauce, cherry cake and tea before setting off on the next leg.
And as they marched, even the tram drivers gave way to them.
”We stepped aside to allow a tram to pass.” the Shields Gazette reporter on the march said.
“The driver shook his head and smiled. “Go ahead, boys. I can wait. Good luck to you.”
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