THREE THOUSAND POLICE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1363, 14 February 1912, Page 5

THREE THOUSAND POLICE.

BRISBANE DEMONSTRATION.

STRIKERS' MASS MEETING SUPPRESSED.

NEW PROCLAMATION.

By TeleffriDh-Press AssoclaUon-CoDyrtenl (Ecc. February 13, 9.35 p.m.) Brisbane, February 13. Tho State Governor, Lord Chelmsford, has issued a proclamation forbidding unlawful assemblies. A copy of the document was served by the police on the strike lenders, and this was followed by a remarkable mobilisation of police near the Trades Hall. Tho Bush Mounted Constabulary appeared riding in fours, with their right sleeves rolled up and holding their batons aloft. They were joined later by a band of mounted special constables, carrying rilles with' fixed bayonots. Altogether 3000 police Were mobilised. The strikers abandoned their nsual mass meeting. NOT BREAKING DOWN. STATEMENT BY STRIKE LEADERS. Brisbana, February 13. The strike leaders continue to deny that the strike is breaking down. They claim that the loyal unionist* »r« more solid than ever. ! Trade' is being diverted to Sydney, to complete tho consternation of the Brisbane merchants. Normal conditions have practically been resumed in the Northern districts. The Australian Workers' Union- mandate to return to work has been generally obeyed. ACT OF BLIND MEN. LABOUR MINISTER'S VIEWS. Sydney, February 13. Mr. Beeby, Minister for Labour, speaking at Orange, characterised the Brisbane strike as the rash act of blind men. He regarded the 6trike as a futile and wasteful method of fighting in a conntry like Australia. PERSISTENT STRIKERS. (Rec. February M, 1.10 a.m.) Brisbane, February 14. A deputation from the Government Printing Office strikers waited on the State Treasurer, Mr. Barnes, and made an. application for reinstatement. They announced their determination to dissociate themselves from the unions.

Mr. Barnes, in reply, agreed to take | the men back, but reserved the right to tale such action as was deemed just with regard to the question of the forfeiture of privileges. The city is quiet. To-day's large array of police was the result of epecial instruction from the Premier. THE COMPULSORY CONFERENCE. CISPUTE REFERRED TO ARBITRATION COURT. (Rec. February 14, 1.10 a.m.) Melbourne, February 13. The compulsory strike conference sat for' two hours in private. An official statement reports that no agreement was reached on the materials available. The president has referred the dispute to the Arbitration Court, which will sit for the purpose on Friday.