WAR IN BRISBANE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 185, 3 February 1912, Page 5

WAR IN BRISBANE.

POLICE v. STRIKERS. BAYONETS FIXED AND SWORDS DRAWN. PROCESSIONS BROKEN UP. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Received 2, 9 p.m. Brisbane, February 2. The decision of the authorities not to allow the usual procession to-day was responsible for the first serious outbreak. A crowd of eight thousand strikers gathered at the Trades Hall with the intention of parading. Bowman, leader of the party, arriving, announced that the procession had been forbidden. The announcement created much dissatisfaction.

In the meantime a strong body of foot police, carrying rifles with bayonets fixed, and mounted troopers with drawn swords came on the scene.

Chief Inspector Urquhart, in charge of the polke, informed the crowd that the rifles were loaded with ball cartridges, and ordered them to disperse. The bulk of the gathering took the hint and left. The union leaders also used their influence to prevent trouble. Subsequently an attempt was aade to re-form the procession. Mrs. MHler, a prominent Laborite, asaumed the head of several hundreds, including •many women, and attempted to break through the police ranks. The women were allowed to pass, and the police then closed up. The erowd, refusing to disperse, the mounted troopers charged, the police also freely using their batons. Excitement ran high. Eventually the crowds were broken up, and the streets in the vicinity of the Trades Hall swept clear. Order was then restored.

During- the melee two policemen in plain clothes and a constable were slightly injured. Several strikers received injuries.

INCIDENTS OF THE FRAY. AN ANGRY CROWD. POLICE CHARGE THREE TIMES. THE PREMIER STANDS FIRM. Received 2, 10.10 p.m. Brisbane, February 2. During the height of the trouble Police Commissioner Cahill was directing operations when a striker seized him by the leg and dragged him from his horse. The Commissioner was unhurt, and quickly remounted. His assailant escaped. Three hundred police and mounted and foot specials were detailed to prevent the procession. .When the crowd attempted to march into the Market Square they were barred by the police. Fifty of those in the front rank, carrying rifles, fixed their bayonets. Though the larger portion of the crowd dispersed, several hundreds, who were manifestly disappointed and angry, persisted in their efforts to induce the police to allow them to pass. The union leaders succeeded in quietening them, the police showing great tact and patience. After dispersing, the crowds gathered in the sides streets, reformed under Mrs. Miller, showing much more determination. A second attempt was made to form the procession. The police charged three times before they succeeded in clearing the danger zone. They met with considerable resistance, sticks and Btones being freely used. Afterwards the police paraded the main streets, dispersing any signs of gathering. Unionists and nonunionists alike were compelled to scatter. Hundreds watched from balconies, cheering and hooting. Besides the police engaged, large detachments were held in reserve. The authorities announce that order will be kept at all costs, and every attempt at lawlessness will be rigorously suppressed. A deputation of Labor members in the afternoon asked the Premier to call Parliament together and try and settle the strike, and also to allow processions. Mr, Denham replied that until law and order were restored he could do nothing. He criticised the strike leaders holding up supplies, and added that if the Government could not ensure the safety of the people some other Government would have to do it.

FOOD SUPPLIES RUNNING SHORT. Received 2, 11.51 p.m. Brisbane, February 2. Already food supplies are beginning to get scarce. Hotels are refusing to take boarders, not for want of room, but fearing a shortage of supplies. No fresh meat is available. There is a great run on tinned goods. Owing to the non-delivery of bread, large crowds gather round the bakers' shops clamoring for supplies. Many of the better class people are leaving the city till the trouble is over. The Stock Exchange has decided to close till further notice. The Department of Navigation has notified that'Twing to the strike stopping coal supplies, the Moreton Bay Pilot service is dislocated, and that it is impossible to sppply shipping with pilots for Brisbane or Eastern ports. Sydney, February 2. The Orient Company will not send the jrsova to Brisbane, owing to the strike. NEWS SERVICE DISLOCATED.

AX UNCONFIRMED RUMOR. REQUEST FOR TROOPS. Received 3, 1.15 a.m. Sydney, February 2. News from Brisbane is hours behind. The latest reports are that the city is quiet. An unconfirmed and improbable rumor is in circulation here that the strike is setled. Melbourne, February 2. It is stated that the Queensland Government asked the Federal Government 'or military aid. ~ ~ ''" ~ '"' if.''*'"'

Mr. Fisher stated that he received messages from the Queensland Government and the labor leaders, but declined to disclose any information. It is reported in other quarters that military were asked for and refused. Mr. Fisher states that from private sources he learned that a very small section was responsible for the disturbances. MOVING THE FEDERAL LAW. Received 2, 11.30 p.m. Melbourne, February 2. Justice Higgins is watching events in Brisbane, and decides to-morrow if he will move the Federal Arbitration in regard to the matter. MORE BRUSHES WITH THE CROWD. Brisbane, February 2. The manager of the Brisbane tramways denies the statement that he is prepared to allow the men to wear badges. He remains firm against the concession.

The police had a couple more brushes with a crowd, mostly of youths, who were making a demonstration against non-union shops late" last night, using their batons. The mounted men drew their swords, charged and dispersed the crowd.

The police refused to permit a procession to-day, fearing violence.

The police had a busy day, with frequent brushes with strikers, who were making demonstrations against shops where the employees Continued to work. The strikers were easily dispersed, and the police were compelled to use batons only in the beer lorry episode.

There are.indications that feeling is getting intensified.

More mounted police are iiein« drafted in.

Forty railwaymcn have resumed work. They stated that they left work under a misapprehension.

A deputation of euginemen and guards waited on the commissioner and assured him of their loyalty. The suburban train service will be suspended at seven tonight.

SYMPATHY AND SUPPORT. Melbourne, February 2. The Trades Hall Council pledged itself morally and financially to support the Brisbane strikers. Adelaide, February 2. The tramwaymen subscribed £3OO to the Brisbane fund. STRIKE OF STATE WORKERS. Sydney, February 2. Two hundred day laborers employed by the Public Works Department struck for an increase of a shilling.

SYMPATHY OF WELLINGTON STRIKERS. • By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Wellington Tramways Union, after deciding last night to stand Arm in respect to its own strike, passed the following resolution amidst cheers: "The mass meeting of workers conveys to our comrades on strike in Brisbane.our heartfelt sympathy, and offer them every good wish for unqualified success.''