STONES FOR BILLY

Southland Times, Issue 18859, 26 June 1920, Page 8

STONES FOR BILLY

PUBLIC ANGRY OVER “FEDERAL GRAB.” SYDNEY, June 8. There have been many expressions of pubic anger since the members of the Federal Parliament, with the Government’s apparent approval, raised their salaries from .9690 to £IOOO per annum—anger which has nto.fi ly 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 lip was vigorously hooted. Whenever there was a procession, the people would ass, "Where is Billy?”—and as soon as "Billy” was found, loud and discordant "hoo-liooarose. An even more serious manifestation of public di-pleasure over “the Federal grab” —as it i; called—was reported last evening, when the express carrying Mr Hughes on his tv ay across to New South Wales, to attend the Prince during his New South Wales tour, wai 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 large stone- rattled against the side of the carriage reserved for the Minister for the Navy, who is accompanying Mr Hughes. One large one crashed through a window, and the splintered glass went over Sir Joseph Cook and his secretary, but without injuring either. Mr Flughes’s reserved com partition: was a couple of carriages further along. It is generally believed, however, that tie .-tone:- were intend'd for Mr Hughe.-, but the throwers mistook the compartment. Mr Hughes left the train this morning at a country town in New youth Wales, so what he dunks about the incident in not known. It is known, however, that, the recent bit: demonstrations against him have carisen him no small amount of concern. No man is i.ua. kcr than he is in reading the pulse of l Ik; public, and he can generally adjust liis ion lact to meet the voter's varying mood.— Christchurch Press correspondent.