RIOT IN AUSTRALIA.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LX, Issue 10829, 30 March 1932, Page 3

RIOT IN AUSTRALIA.

DOLE BOOKS SEIKED, Ugly scenes were features of the distribution of dole relief coupons at Scarborough Town Hall, says a Sydney paper. An angry mob rushed the sole constable and two dole inspectors and grabbed two of the books and a number of rubber stamps They threw the rubber stamps over a cliff into the ocean and two men charged later in connection with the disturbance ore alleged to have had the books in their possession. The trouble, according to the poIcio, was apparently premeditated. Some of the unemployed, comprising a number of Communists, held a meeting prior to the hour fixed for handing out the coupons. Two men were given tickets, but two others were refused, and the crowd broke its queue Avith the cry “Como and take their books!” Constable Bleechmore and Dole Inspectors Hiles and Brassall were taken by surprise. Bleechmore was bustled aside by the heavy crush of men and by the time he reached his table again the books and stamps had gone.

Bleechmore coolly packed up the rest of the hooks and walked from the hall.

They followed him to the police station, outside which they held another meeting. Bleechmore put in a call for polico assistance, which arrived from Woollongong in 15 minutes. The crowd jeered at the reinforcements, who, however, arrested two men.

About '2OO men and women will have to wait till next week for their coupons.