Social Reformer. Samuel Parnell was an early settler to New Zealand who is credited with the establishment of the eight-hour day in New Zealand. After agreeing to build a stone store for George Hunter while travelling to New Zealand, he stated only on the grounds that he worked eight hours a day; stating that "We have twenty-four hours per day given us; eight of these should be for work, eight for sleeping, and the remaining eight for recreation and in which for men to do what little things they want for themselves. I am ready to start to-morrow morning at eight o'clock, but it must be on these terms or none at all." After this incident, Parnell began greeting settler ships and sharing the idea of working eight hour days.
Social Reformer. Samuel Parnell was an early settler to New Zealand who is credited with the establishment of the eight-hour day in New Zealand. After agreeing to build a stone store for George Hunter while travelling to New Zealand, he stated only on the grounds that he worked eight hours a day; stating that "We have twenty-four hours per day given us; eight of these should be for work, eight for sleeping, and the remaining eight for recreation and in which for men to do what little things they want for themselves. I am ready to start to-morrow morning at eight o'clock, but it must be on these terms or none at all." After this incident, Parnell began greeting settler ships and sharing the idea of working eight hour days.
Bio by: Thomas Fairweather
Inscription
Samual Duncan PARNELL, (Carpenter), 19 February 1810--17 December 1890, father of the eight hour day , whose direct action in 1840, pioneered the establishment of the 8 hour day for all workers. Also his wife, Sarah Sophia PARNELL, died June 1888. Erected by N.Z. Carpenters, Plasters and Bricklayers Union 1961.
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