SYDNEY TOWN HALL

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 40, 17 February 1931, Page 9

SYDNEY TOWN HALL

MEETING OF PEOTEST

BROKEN UP BY COMMUNISTS

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. (Received 17th February, 9 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. A widely advertised meeting in the Sydney Town Hall last night to protest against ihe proposals of the New South Wales Government for the repudiation of national obligations was completely broken up by Communists and others, who had apparently deliberately organised themselves to that end, distributing themselves in various parts of the huge' hall where the police were unable to j deal promptly with them.

Kiotous scenes such as have never before been witnessed nearly caused a pauie on several occasions. Fights occurred in the body of the hall and on tho platform. The police woro kept busy throwing disturbers out. One young man attempted to assist an official to eject a well-known Communist, when he was set upon and punched unmercifully. Women screamed and rushed to the exits. Free fights went on among the audience. Tho rioters invaded tho platform, counted Mr. Bavin out, called for cheers for Mr. Lang, and created the utmost pandamonium.

The meeting had to bo dosed long before it was intended when only ono resolution of protest l:ad actually been carried.

This resolution "deplored that the name of this State should bo officially associated with a policy Which was morally disgraceful and financially disastrous."

Over two thousand citizens were present. Hundreds unable to gain admission regarded themselves as extremely lucky.