“UNGENTLEMANLY AND UNFAIR”

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 9, 5 October 1927, Page 10

“UNGENTLEMANLY AND UNFAIR”

MAYOR SPEAKS SHARPLY TO DEMONSTRATORS Dominion Special Service/ Christchurch, October.'4. Rumours were circulated in the city this morning to the effect that a Section of tlio unemployed, headed by Messrs. R Fournier and 11. Dunkley, intended to rush (he Citizens’ Relief Depot in Armagh Street and demand fpod, .and that if it were not forthcoming to take the dopot stocks by .force. .The result was that police were hurried to Victoria Square, and (he Mayor (Rev. J.‘ K. Archer) and other members of the Citizens’ Unemployment Committed, remained within call ready to rush, to the scene should any untoward incidents occur.

Subsequently a deputation from the unemployed proceeded to the depot where they made a request on behalf of .fiftyone men and one woman for an order to go to the city engineer and ask for two days’ work. Sergeant McGregor snrl two constables were present throughout the interview, which proved to be of a ' quite peaceable character. At the 1 request of the ladies a.f the depot, tho police refused to allow Mr. Fournier to speak on behalf of the deputation. The men were received by Mr. R; B. Owen, and subsequently were spoken to sharply by the Mayor, who described!’* their conduct as “unfair and ungentlehianly.”