REIGN OF TERROR.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3038, 20 May 1926, Page 3

REIGN OF TERROR.

BY EAST END EXTREMISTS,

London, May 17.

The “Daily Telegraph” reveals an amazing state of affairs in Poplar, Avhich is the centre of a big industrial district in the East End of London, during the strike. When conditions were at the Avorst, the control of affairs in Poplar Avas in the hands of a body Avhich styled itself the Strike Committee. For a time thq members of this miniature Soviet exerted supreme authority. Wlhile the period of disorder lasted, no one dared defy their commands. Many Avorks not in any Avay associated AA-ith the strike had the, poAver cut off, thereby bringing their operations to a standstill. The men in charge of bodies of employees Avere before the committee and told Avhat they were permitted to do. Roads throughout the district were rendered most dangerous, and private ears as Avell as lorries Avere held up on the East India Dock Road in an amazing manner. Drivers Avere ordered to stop, and if one disobeyed, his car was rushed, the brakes applied, and the passengers pulled out of the vehicle. Cyclists Avere also dragged off their machines. The direction of disorder Avas undertaken by large bands of hooligans, avlio damaged the engines of cars, removed magnetos, and poured petrol into scA'eral, which Avere then set on fire. TAventy-two were wrecked in one night alone. For a period the police were helpless. Every time they appeared they Avere brutally attacked with bottles and other missiles. Later they Avere heavily reinforced, and made repeated charges on the hooligan crowds. It is impossible to say how many were injured. Had the streets not been cleared on this occasion anything might have happened. Tradesmen Avent in fear for the safety of their premises. It is impossible to obtain an exact account of the conditions that prevailed during this short, but unforgettable reign of terror.