SERIOUS FOOD RIOTS IN AUSTRIA.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 147, 21 June 1918, Page 5

SERIOUS FOOD RIOTS IN AUSTRIA.

CAVALRY POURING INTO VIENNA TO RESTORE ORDER. (Received 10,25 a.m.) AMSTERDAM, June 20. The Vienna City Council has protested against the reduction of the bread ration, and unsuccessfully appealed to the Government for cancellation. The Council explained that the German Government pledged itself to distribute flour to the military and civUian population of Austria from Rumanian, Ukrainian, and German stocks. The deliveries are now in arrears to the extent of two thousand wagons, half of which is for civilians. The Food Controller has proceeded to Berlin to expedite deliveries. Austrian newspapers blame Germany for the food shortage, and express the hope that the Food Controller's visit to Berlin will prove satisfactory. German newspapers declare that Germany is unable to help Austria. The Mayor of Vienna announces that the supplies of potatoes will be exhausted next week, and that he will not be responsible for any outbreaks resulting from the reduction of the bread ration. Crowds of excited workpeople are assembling in the streets. Latest reports state that serious riots occurred in Vienna on Wednesday, the rioters protesting against reduced bread rations. Mobs pillaged the bakeries, and stoned the Hofburg Palace and the Premier's residence. Cavalry is pouring in to restore order. The "Central News" Amsterdam correspondent states that the latest reports from Austria and Germany show that the Austro-Hungarian food troubles are the most serious of the war period. The agitation is reaching enormous proportions throughout' the country. All the Viennese newspapers denounce the reduction, demanding that Germany shall instantly give relief. The Austrian Press asserts that Hungary is selfishly retaining supplies. The •"Neue Freie Presse" declares that Austria for at least six weeks will be forced to subsist on vegetables. Zurich advices report that owing to the reduction in the bread ration many Austrian workers refuse to work. Almost a general strike is anticipated. The situation is extremely grave owing to the shortage of bread. The provinces of Northern Bohemia and the Tyrol have been without bread for a fortaight.—(A. and N.Z. Cable.)