SERIOUS RIOTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 10 January 1931, Page 7

SERIOUS RIOTS

UNEMPLOYED AT ADELAIDE MIX=UP WITH POLICE MANY CASUALTIES CAUSED (United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright) ADELAIDE, 9th January. An army of unemployed clashed with mounted troopers and foot police in Victoria Square to-day, and one of the worst riots in the history of South Australia followed. Iron bars, sticks, and pieces of board with nails protruding were used against the police, who were compelled to defend themselves with batons.

There were many casualties on both sides. Three policemen received severe head injuries and one a fractured jaw. A police sergeant suffered a lacerated skull, a woman concussion and broken ribs, while four unemployed were taken to hospital with cuts on the head and facu. .

Twelve arrests were made. It is estimated that 1000 men took part in the disturbance the motive of which was to protest against the withdrawal of beef from the ration list. They marched through the city to Parliament House, sang revolutionary songs, counted out politicians, and finally halted outside the Treasury. The police who had anticipated the tactics, barred the way to the building and in the rioting which followed men fell to the ground with blood streaming from wounds. Hats, coats and banners were kicked about, troopers’ horses reared up among the struggling humanity, and shouts and curses were heard on all sides. This went on for half an hour. The police triumphed but minor disturbances occurred elsewhere in the city which were easily quelled. One constable’s helmet bore evidence of a vicious clout from a heavy weaponOthers emerged from the fray with damaged uniforms. • The Premier, Mr Hill, who witnessed the riot from his window, said there was not the slightest doubt that the disorders were organised by the people who wished to destroy ' constitutional government. ANOTHER SCENE (Received 10th January, 10.45 a.m.) ADELAIDE, This Day. Another scene occurred last night when the police attempted to arrest a speaker at a meeting. The crowd interfered and a clash between the police and the unemployed followed. Two policemen and a woman were injured and three arrests were made.