ASSAULT BY AN EDITOR

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16364, 8 November 1918, Page 12

ASSAULT BY AN EDITOR

' A PREMIER'S MESSENGER ROUGHLY HANDLED. (rBOH OTTO OWN OOBBESPONDJCNT.) SYDNEY, October 30. The continued existence of the Bolshevik Government in Queensland is arousing the most ferocious political passions. 'Tho extremists, firmly seated in tho Government saddle, are riding at their own pace and in their own direction, and are very intolerant of any interference. The moderates, firmly convinced that tho State is . h® m S driven to disaster, are bitterly _ determined to obstruct tho extremists , in. every possible way. So there aro many "incidents." _ _ .... A couple of weeks ago the Legislative Council (moderates) refused to pass an Appropriation Bill which contained provision for a £200 increase in the salaries of members of the Lower Chamber. A deadlock ensued, but finally the Council intimidated by the savage threats or the Government, gave way and. passed! the Bill. This Ls a typical "incident." Here is another: The "Brisbane Courier," an uncompromising critio or the Government, published certain statements in a leading article. Late on October 2nd, Thomas Ellis, private secretary to tho Premier, but in this case acting for the Vice-President of the Executive Council, called upon John McGregor, acting-editor of the "Courier," and complained that the paper would not publish the Minister's replv to the criticism. The editor said: "I won't allow Ryan, Hunter, or anyone else to tell mo how to run the •Courier.' The 'Courier' leaders can- j not be traversed. It is like your impudence to direct me." Ellis replied: "If you are above reproach it is no use talking." The editor thereupon ordered him out of the office, and called him an impudent pup. Ellis said: "If you will let me get my hat I will get out with pleasure. It is a very good! office to be out of." Then, according to the story of Ellis to the magistrate —for ho sued McGregor for £50 for assault, and the case is not vet finished —he got his hat and went out. The editor followed and kicked him. Then he kicked him again, and struck him from behind. He struggled free and made for the stairs. Tho editor said: "I am going to kick you out," and struck him again. Ellis said : "Be careful, or you will kill me." "I am coing to throw you downstairs, said "the editor, and forthwith did so. Ellis said he fell down twelve stairs. At this stage the case was adjourned until I November sth. f McGregor was. a well-known bydney Pressman, stockilv built, and of the type that "stands no nonsense. '