The Dominion. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1913. PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1894, 31 October 1913, Page 6

The Dominion. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1913. PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC.

Yesterday Wellington citizens peacefully pursuing their occupations found themselves involved in street riots, and life and limb endangered by # tho wild rushes and organised, violence of tho strikers. The first trouble occurred' in the morning, when the yard connected with the building used as a barracks for the special constables brought in from, the country was rushed under circumstances which point to deliber-ately-niatured plans. Later in tho day there was a disgraceful scene in Lambton Quay, at Messrs.' Whitcombe and Tombs's building, where a small group of special constables who had just been sworn in had sought shelter from a rush by the mob. A violent conflict took place between three police constablc-s, who Bought to prevent tho invasion of Messes. ' Whitcombe and Tombs's premises, and a large body of strikers. Before tho melee ended in the strikers being dispersed by mounted police, a oonstable was seriously injured. -Again, a little later in the day, a body of mounted constables was pelted by the mob near the wharf, and one of their number injured. The mounted men charged and scattered the crowd, several of whom were knocked down. It is stated that pistol shots were fired during the scuffle. This, briefly, was the state of things in Wellington yesterday with mob rule. Behind it all, and inflaming'the strikers to action, was tho reckless speech-making of the men who aro chiefly responsible for these disturbances of the peace which are demoralising tho trade and business of the city and port and menacing tho safety of the whole, community. In the House of Representatives last evening, the Leader of the Opposition, while stating the determination of his party to assist in the 1 upholding of law and order, referred to the conduct of the mounted police in charging the crowd at the wharf in such terms as to give the impression that in hia opinion they had acted improperly. It is true • that he admitted that his statement of what occurred was based on hearsay, but it is extremely regrettable that he should have expressed himself in such a manner as to convey the impression that his authority for his statement was beyond question: He, in consequence, did a very grave injustice to the police, who nave behaved in a most forbearing manner under great provocation. They havo been subjected to persistent gibes ant} insults of a most objectionable nature, and have borne them with an apparent indifference which is a fine tribute to their self-control. Docs Sir Joseph Wadd or anyone else expect them .to quietly submit to being pelted with road metal and lumps of iron and watch with indifference thoir companions being assaulted by the mob 1 Wo think not, indeed. The present is no time for party differences and potty issues in Parliament. Tho country has too_ much at stake to view with equanimity the spectacle of politicians seeking to secure a political advantage by pandering to the forces which are attacking the foundations of law and order and threatening the happiness and prosperity of tho Dominion as they have never been threatened before. It is unfortunate and regrettable that violence' should_ be necessary to uphold the law and to restore order, but tho fact must not be lost Bight of that it is tho strikers who started using violence. As to those members of the public who aro liable to be injured in the disturbances which occur, it is quite time that the people, of AVellington realised that it is better for them to keep away from tho known centres of disturbance. Two-thirds of the people who gather at tho wharf entrance each day are not strikers, and have no business tliero 'beyond the gratifying of an idle curiosity. They assist by their presence in obstructing traflic, and. unintentionally, no doubt, add to the disorder and impede the efforts of the pblice. The general public, and especially women and children, will be well advised to keep away as far as possiblo from the crowds which from time to time gather at different centres along the waterfront and in the city. II they will not stay away they can only blamo themselves if they suffer injury as a conscqucnce of their foolishness. There is only one o'ther matter which at tho moment calls for commflnt. Th*t i# tho vais fino r-aanoaaj 1

that is now .being made to the call for special constables to assise the police in upholding the law. Several hundred came forward yesterday, and it is expected that many more will offer their services. It will be necessary to organise them and explain to them more fully than has been done what is expected of them, and how they can best servo the interests of the community. It is quite useless for them to go about singly or in small groups. They should move in companies, and under experienced leadership. It is the business of the authorities to see that they aro fully instructed as to their duties and powers, and that they should clearly realise tho very full power and authority which is conferred on them by virtue of their oflice. The City is under a very real obligation to those who have come forward to assist in the protection of the community against lawlessness and disorder, and they should receive every encouragement and assistance from those of the public who have not themselves enrolled.