“THIS MUST STOP!”

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 35, 5 November 1928, Page 10

“THIS MUST STOP!”

MOB RULE AND VIOLENCE FEDERAL PRIME MINISTER SPEAKS OUT VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT’S DUTY (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Australian Press Association.) Melbourne, November 3. The Prime Minister (Mr. S. M. Bruce), speaking in the country during his 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, tlie 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 in a time of national crisis. Tlie 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 was 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 bad 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. FIRING BY POLICE JUSTIFIED Melbourne, November 3. The Police Commissioner. General Blarney, says that yesterday’s firing by the police was justified, otherwise the police would have been overwhelmed and the strikers would have gained control. Further drafts of police, he added, were being brough to the city. There was no need to enrol special constables, as the existing force was sufficient. Mr. Crofts, secretary of tlie Australian Council of Trade Unions, says that that body intends to urge Mr. Hogan, the State Premier, to institute an inquiry into tlie shooting, which, it claims, was unnecessary against unarmed men.