BRISBANE TRAM STRIKE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 436, 3 February 1912, Page 5

BRISBANE TRAM STRIKE.

BRUSHES WITH THE STRIKERS

Liy Tclogrupb.•■■Press AKSoeuition.- Oo]niii;lH Brisbane, Friday.

The police had a busy day owing to frequent brushes with tho strikers making demonstrations against the shops where the employees continue to sv or k.

The strikers were easily dispersed, and the police were compelled to use their batons only in the beer lorry episode. The indications are that feeling is intensifying, and more mounted police are being drafted in.

Forty railwaymen have resumed. They state thut they left work under a misapprehension. A deputation of enginemen and guards waited on the Commissioner and assured him of their loyalty. The suburban train service was suspended at 7 o'clock last night. A PROCESSION BARRED. POLICE CHARGE CROWD. Received February 2, 10.10 p.m. Brisbane, Friday. During the height of the trouble Police Commissioner Cahill was directing operations when a striker grabbed him by the leg and dragged him from his horse. Tho commissioner was unhurt and quickly remounted. His assailant escaped. Three hundred mounted police from specials were detailed to be present at the procession. When the crowd attempted to march into Market Square they were barred by the police, fifty of the front rank, carrying rifles and fixed bayonets. Though tho larger portion of the crowd dispersed, several hundreds of disappointed and angry people persisted in their effort? to induce the police to allow them to pass. The union leaders succeeded in quietening the crowd, the police showing great tact and patience. After dispersing the crowds gathered in the side streets, reformed under Mrs Miller, and, showing much more determination, made a second attempt to form a procession. The police charged three times before they succeeded in clearing the danger zone. They met with considerable resistance, sticks and stones being freely used. Afterwards the police paraded the main streets dispersing any sign of a gathering Unionists and non-unioni°ts alike were compelled to scatter. Hundreds watched from balconies cheering and hooting. Besides the police engaged large detachments were held in reserve. The authorities announce that every attempt at lawlessness will be rigorously suppressed. A deputation of Labour members this afternoon asked the Premier to call Parliament together to try and settle the strike and also to allow processions.

Mr Denham replied that until law and order was restored lie could do nothing. He cri'icised the strike leaders for holding up supplies, and added "If '.he Government could not ensure the safety of the people, some other government would have to do it."