READY FOR CIVIL WAR

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 872, 16 January 1930, Page 1

READY FOR CIVIL WAR

State Takes Steps to Suppress Miners SERIOUS CLASH WITH POLICE Scullin Wants Conciliation —Not Force Received 11 a.m. SYDNEY, Today. F'OLLOWING the serious clash between the police and 2,500 miners who were interrupted in their militant march on the South Maitland mine, in which 12 men were injured and three arrested, the State Premier, Mr. Bavin, and Minister of Mines, Mr. A. Weaver, indicate that volunteers might shortly be called for the special constabulary to co-operate with the police on the coalfields. Mr. Bavin leaves for Melbourne this evening to discuss with the Federal Prime Minister, Mr. James Scullin, the question of suppressing the so-called Labour Defence Corps.

Ten of the 21 miners’ lodges in the West have passed resolutions favourin; an all-out policy. Other lodges are eipected to adopt a similar course. Mr. Scullin. in addressing a deputation of miners at Melbourne, said: • I s tm believe that force used on either aide will not bring a solution of this vexed problem. I firmly believe a just settlement can be arrived at along lines of conciliation. I am making a further effort in that direction.” Dispensing with conferences, Mr. Scullin. has initiated discussions with the State Premier and the coal owners to prevent further trouble on the coalfields. In a speech over the air, Mr. Bavin declared the miners’ demonstrations could be described only' as civil war on the community. This warfare had been characterised by acts of brutality that disgraced Australia throughout the world. Attributing the trouble entirely to the militants, revolutionaries and Communists, the Premier said it revealed violence and savagery unparalleled in New South Wales history, except during the timber strike, when the same influences bad operated.

STATE STANDS FIRM READY TO CALL ON PEOPLE SAFETY MEN INTIMIDATED SYDNEY, Wednesday. The Premier of New South Wales, Nr. T. R. Bavin, this evening broadcast a speech on the coalmines dispute. He traced the history of all the futile a:tempts to settle it, and finally referred to the outbreaks of violence and intimidation of the safety men. The Premier said matters had reached a stage when the Government intended to go the full length for the preservation of law and order, and tie protection of the lives and property of people. "I hope, the ordinary agencies will tie sufficient for this purpose.” he said, but if they prove to be inadequate we shall not hesitate to call upon lawsbiding citizens to give us the help recessary to ensure that this part of Australia shall not pass into the hands tf the avowed enemies of law and order.” NO MOB RULE government will be firm RICH MINERS IN N.S.W. • From Our Own Correspondent HAMILTON, Today. Mr. Bavin and the Government will Jo their utmost to show the miners diat mob rule will not be tolerated,” 'ieclared Mr. L. O. Martin, member '•egislative Council for Taree, New South Wales, when interviewed today. Referring to the mining situation, -lr. Martin said the bulk of the miners * ere opposed to the methods of the leaders but appalling coercion and Mctimsation on the coalfields made . inarticulate. Many commisa ‘ons had sat, but their findings were unfavourable to the miners and they "'ere disregarded. Mr. Martin described the miners generally fabulously wealthy, only mos t expensive foods and in Newcastle. Excepting sur‘icemen other miners made vast timing by piecework but work was intermittent. chiefly through their own

faults. If a youth disobeyed the colliery rules and was dismissed all the workers struck until he was reinstated. No other industry in the world was treated in so intolerable a manner.

ROUTED WITH BATONS MINERS FALL BEFORE POLICE ONSLAUGHT CRISIS PREDICTED SYDNEY, Wednesday. Four gatherings of miners on the coalfields were broken up by the police today. Most sensational scenes were witnessed. The police were greatly outnumbered, but they were splendidly organised. Led by Superintendent Beatty they swooped down upon massed gatherings at different points miles apart. They travelled in motor-lorries, buses and cars requisitioned for the purpose. Some people. believe that the notable victories of the police today will mean the absolute end of mass picketing. Others claim that the miners are so incensed that they will next march against the police properly armed. It is agreed, however, that in the next few days there will be some definite turn toward a complete determination of the dispute. At no place were the police more than 150 strong. The miners’ numbers, on the other hand, varied from 1,000 to 3,000. Rarely did the miners show fight. Some from a safe distance hurled stones and insults at the police. However, the majority scampered away from the batons of the constables as fast as their legs could carry them. They vaulted fences and took cover in private homes—even up chimneys. The rout at the Labour Defence Corps was no less complete. These men sought shelter everywhere. OLDER MINERS FALL HURT In the earlier combats a few of the older miners could not reach points of safety and fell before police charges, wounded in their heads and with cut faces. Later the injured men were stretched out in a group near the Kearsley Public School. There local doctors and the wives of miners attended to their injuries. The police arrested 10 of the miners' leaders and also took the names of 60 of the men who yesterday were drilling with the Defence Corps. These and others will forthwith be deprived of Government food orders. The feeling on the coalfields naturally is very bitter at the moment, but the police are of the opinion tnat they will soon have the back of the resistance broken.

Many of the pickets on the coalfields today were armed with stout sticks and stones. However, so great was thair confusion that no serious resistance was offered to the police. The New South Wales Minister of Mines, Mr. R. W. D. Weaver, announces that the issue will be fought to a finish. The position will soon come when responsible members of the community will be asked to oppose the violence of drilled mobs. The Premier, Mr. T. R. Bavin, has telegraphed to the Prime Minister, Mr. J. H. Scullin. asking him whether he intends to take any steps to suppress the Labour Defence Corps. The mineowners have insured their collieries at high premiums.