COMPLETE FIASCO

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 257, 26 July 1930, Page 11

COMPLETE FIASCO

Hunger March on Sydney PARTY OF FIFTEEN Met by Police on Outskirts BUNDLED INTO VAN By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. (Rec. July 25, 9.10 p.m.) Sydney, July 25 The much-trumpeted hunger march by members of the unemployed union at Cessnock ended disastrously on the outskirts of the city today. A meagre contingent of fifteen, after tramping from Cessnock and Lithgow, found a posse of police awaiting them with a police van in Parramatta Road. A sergeant halted the marchers and informed them that they were taking part in an unlawful procession. He advised them to disperse. The men did so, but soon afterwards re-formed, and were augmented by a few loafers from the sidewalks. In the twinkling of an eye the police swooped down on the misguided ones, arrested the fifteen, and bundled them into the police van, which shot away to Newtown almost before the onlookers realised what was happening. The Communist Party view the trek as most others do, as a complete fiasco.

[The march, which was organised by two prominent Communists, began last Saturday. A message describing the start said“ Only six stalwarts mustered, thfeir comrades apparently lacking what Napoleon described as the ‘ two o’clock in the morning” kind of courage. A heavy frost before dawn made the empty streets particularly uninspiring to even these enthusiasts, and the departure was delayed until the sun had taken the edge off the keen atmosphere. Even then no additions had come to the ranks when the marchers stepped off from the Communist headquarters, whose whose organisation provided the men with new socks One report added new boots, but this is doubtful. A crowd saw the men off, and some women accompanied them for a mile or so. It is stated that more will follow on Monday, when a lorry may carry the equipment.]

RELIEF WORK PLANS

New South "Wales Vote Sydney, July 25. Thousands of the State's unemployed, skilled and unskilled, will obtain work under the new plans completed by the Unemployment Relief Council. About £350,000 will be allotted, and the works to be carried out Include buildings, schools, hospitals, sewerage, and road construction. PICKETS AT RELIEF WORKS Scuffle With Police Sydney, July 25. As the result of a mass picketing demonstration at the Tempe relief works, five arrests were made. A violent scuffle took place between the police and the demonstrators, during which one constable drew his baton to

keep the crowd back. UNEMPLOYMENT IN JAPAN Serious Situation Kobe, July 24. Unemployment is daily becoming more serious. The newspaper "Kokumin” reports that the metropolitan police are taking elaborate precautions for dealing with hunger riots. The number needing relief is estimated at 450,000.