STONES THROWN AT MR HUGHES:

Hokitika Guardian, 23 June 1920, Page 4

STONES THROWN AT MR HUGHES:

PUBLIC ANGRY OVER “FEDERAL GRAB.” SYDNEY, June 3. There have been many expressions of public anger since the members of the Federal Parliament, with the Government’s apparent approval, raised their salaries from £6OO to £IOOO per annum —anger which has most frequently taken the form of a* demonstration against the Prime Minister. During the festivities connected with the Prince of Wales’s arrival in Melbourne he /was frequently in the streets and every time he appeared he was vigor ously hooted. Whenever there was f procession the people would ask, “Where is Billy?” and as soon as.“ Billy was found loud and discordant “boo boos” arose.

An even more serious manifestation of public displeasure over “tlie Federal .grab”—as it is . called—was reported last evening, when the express cairying Mr Hughes on hjs way across to New South- Wales, to attend the Prince dm - -’ ing his New South Wales tour, was stoned. The outrage occurred at Seymour, a small Victorian town, where a halt was made for dinner. The express was slowly gathering way when a number of stones rattled against the side of the carriage reserved for the Minister for the Navy, who is accompanying Mr Hughes. One large one came crashing through a window, and the splintered glass went over sir Joseph Cook and his secretary, but without injuring either. Mr Hughes’s reserved compartment was a- couple of carriages further along." -It is .generally believed,, however, that the stones were intended for Mr Hughes, but the .throwers mistopk the compartment. Mr Hughes left the' train this morning at a country town/ in New South Wales/so what he thinks about the Incident is not known. It is known, however, that the recent big demonstrations against him have caused him no small amount of concern. No man. is quicker than he in reading the pulse or the public and he can generally adjust his conduct to meet the voter’s varying mood. J.;