THE FLYING SQUAD

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 13, 16 January 1930, Page 13

THE FLYING SQUAD

POLICE ON COALFIELDS

MASSED MINERS DISPERSED

SYDNEY, loth January.1 ' Altogether four miners' gatherings in the coalfields were broken up by the police to-day. The most sensational scenes were witnessed. ' The police were greatly out-num-bered, but splendidly organised and led by Superintendent Beatty, they swooped down on the massed gatherings at different points, miles apart, travelling thither in commandeered motor-lorries, omnibuses, and cars. At no place were they more than 150 strong. The miners' numbers, on the other hand, varied from 1000.to 3000. Karely did the latter show fight. Some when a safe distance hurled stones and insults. The majority, however, scampered away from the police batons as fast as their legs could carry them, vaulting fences and taking cover in private homes and even up chimneys. The rout of the Labour Defence Corps was no less complete. The men sought shelter everywhere. During the earlier combats a few of the older miners, unable to reach safety, fell before the police charge, with wounded heads and gashed faces. They later were stretched out in a group near the Kearsley public school, where the local doctors and the wives of the miners attended to their injuries. The police arrested ten miners' leaders and also took the names of sixty men who were drilling with tho defence corps. These and others will forthwith be deprived of Government food orders. y Feeling on the coalfields naturally is very bitter at tho moment, but the police are of opinion that they will soon have tho back of tho resistance broken. FIGHT TO A FINISH. The Minister of Mines, Mr. Weaver, has announced that the issue will be fought to a finish. He adds that tbo position will soon como when responsible members of the community will be asked to oppose the violence of drilled mobs. The Premier has. telegraphed to the Prime Minister asking him whether he intends to take any action to suppress the so-called Labour Defence Corps. The latest reports from the coalfields state that many pickets were armed with stout sticks and stones, but go great was their confusion that no serious resistance was offered. Future developments cannot be predicted. Some people believe that to-day's notable police victories will mean the absolute end of mass picketing, while others claim. that the nen are so incensed that they will nest march on the police properly armed. It is agreed, however, that the next few days will mean some definite turn toward the complote termination of the dispute. The mine owners have insured the collieries at stiff premiums.