STRIKE RIOTS.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19459, 5 November 1928, Page 11

STRIKE RIOTS.

STATE MUST ACT.

MR BRUCE EMPHATIC.

DEFINES MR HOGAN'S DUTY.

(WKITBD PBBSS ASSOCIATION—BT BMCTBIC

XBIiOEAPH—COPIBIOHT.)

MELBOURNE, November 3.

The Prime Minister (Mr Bruce), speaking in the country during hia election tour, declared that the Federal Government intended to see that adequate protection was afforded the volunteer watersiders. Referring to the latest attacks on free labourers, the. Prime Minister said that attempts were being made to intimidate and drive off the wharves men who had come to the help of their country ln , a time of national crisis. The Federal Government was determined that this must stop. It was the State Government's duty to see that intimidation was stopped, and he could only come to the conclusion that the Victorian Administration had been recreant to its duty, since it had never announced its definite intentions. Mr Hogan should come out and inform the people that his Government were there to preserve law and order, and would take all steps to prevent attacks on workers on the waterfront. This would have a tremendous effect. The present happenings were significant, and should be studied closely, in view of the approaching elections, because there had been indications for the past three weeks that if a Labour Government was placed in power a state of disorder, chaos, and uncertainty would follow. Mob rule and violence must not be permitted.—Australian Press Association.

POLICE GUARD WHARVES. (Received November 4th, 5.5 .p.m.) MELBOURNE, November 3. All was quiet at Port Melbourne this morning. Prince's Pier was guarded by mounted and foot police, with batons drawn ready for action. Unionists did not attempt to interfere with work on the wharf, but turned back all traffic approaching with goods for shipment.—Australian Press Association. COMMENT ON THE PROTEST. (Received November 4th, 11.5 p.m.) LONDON, November 4. Tlie "Observer," commenting on Signor Carosi's protest on behalf of the Italians, says: "It will probably commend itself to the Duce, but such episodes create bad blood between peoples and weaken the claims of Democracy to dominate the world."—Australian Press Association. ENQUIRY WANTED. THE SHOOTING INCIDENT. (united press association—bs blbctbio tblbghaph—cof7biqbt.) MELBOURNE, November 3. The Police Commissioner, General Blarney, says that yesterday's firing by the police was justified, otherwise they would have been overwhelmed and the strikers would have gained control. Further drafts of police are being brought to the city. There is no need to enrol special constables, as the existing force is sufficient. < Mr Crofts, secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, says that that body intends to urge Mr Hogan to institute an enquiry into the shooting, which was unnecessary against unarmed men.—Australian Press Association.

MARSEILLES STRIKE.

ARTILLERY CALLED OUT.

(Received November 4th, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, November 3.

At Marseilles last night, 400 dock strikers attempted to board the Brazza, but were driven back. This morning several boarded a launch, broached the ship's hatches, and drove the workers ashore with blows. They repeated the performance on two other vessels.

The police partially restored order, after which detachments of infantry, artillery, and colonial troops guarded the quays.—Australian Press Association.