MOB ATTACKS WORKERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 653, 3 May 1929, Page 9

MOB ATTACKS WORKERS

TIMBER STRIKERS IN UGLY MOOD MILL-OWNER FIRES SHOTS (United 17,A.—8yI 7 ,A. —By Telegraph — Copyright) SYDNEY, Thursday. A sensational attack was made this morning upon Mr. W. H. Simpson, managing director of Messrs. Bell and Frazer, timber merchants, Rozelle, and his two sons. A mob of about 50 men attacked three motor-cars in which the Messrs. Simpson and volunteer workers were proceeding to the mills. Bricks and other missiles were thrown at tlie occupants. Mr. Simpson, senior, who was in the leading car, drew a revolver and fired two shots. The uproar this caused brought the Balmain police to the spot at a run. The attackers ran away, but the police arrested three of them. The owner-driver of the third car, who was the only other armed man in the party, was stunned by a brick which was thrown through the windscreen of his car before he could draw his revolver. Mr. Simpson’s sons, who were driving the first and second cars, escaped Injury. None of the volunteer workers was hurt. PEACE CONFERENCE SYDNEY LEADERS SENT FOR MELBOURNE, Thursday. A peace conference is sitting in Melbourne trying to settle the timber trade dispute. It is making good progress. Urgent telegrams have been sent to Mr. J. Garden, secretary of the Trades and Labour Council, Sydney, and to the strike leaders in that city to come to Melbourne to-night. The situation is described as hopeful.