RIOT AT ADELAIDE

Evening Star, Issue 20688, 10 January 1931, Page 13

RIOT AT ADELAIDE

POLICE AND UNEMPLOYED IN CONFLICT MANY CASUALTIES A SERIOUS OUTBREAK Press Association —By Telegraph —Copyright. ADELAIDE, January 9. An tinny of unemployed clashed with mounted troopers and foot police in Victoria square to-day, and one of the worst riots in the history of South Australia followed. Iron bars, sticks, and pieces of hoard with nails protruding were used against the police, who were compelled to defend themselves with their batons. There wore many casualties on both sides. Three policemen received severe head injuries and one a fractured jaw, while a police sergeant suffered a lacerated skull. A woman suffered concussion and broken ribs, while four of the unemployed wore taken lo hospital with cuts on the head and face. Twelve arrests wore made.

It is estimated that 1,000 men took part in tho disturbance, the motive of which was to protest against the withdrawal of beef from the ration list. They marched through the city to Parliament House, sang revolutionary songs, counted out politicians, and finally halted outside the Treasury. Tho police, who had anticipated their tactics, barred the way to the building, and in the rioting which followed men foil to tho ground with blood streaming from wounds. Hats, coats, and banners were kicked about. Troopers’ horses reared up among struggling humanity, and shouts and curses were heard on all skies. This went op for half an hour. Tho police triumphed, but minor disturbances occurred elsewhere in the city, which were easily quelled. One constable’s helmet boro evidence of a vicious clout from a heavy weapon, while others emerged from the fray with damaged uniforms.

Tho Premier (Mr Hill), who witnessed tho riot from his window, said there was not tho slightest doubt that the disorders were organised by people who wished to destroy constitutional government. ANOTHER CLASH TWO POLICEMEN INJURED. ADELAIDE, January 10. (Received January 10, at 11 a.m.) Another scene occurred last night when tho police attempted to arrest a speaker at a meeting. Tho crowd interfered, and a clash between the police and tho unemployed followed. Two policemen and a woman were injured, and three arrests were made.