MELBOURNE NORMAL

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 November 1923, Page 5

MELBOURNE NORMAL

n ■ STRIKERS LOSE JOBS. t (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) MELBOURNE, November 7. There is every indication that the disorder is finally quelled. The city is normal again. Although reports of offences in suburbs are received occasionally, nothing serious has occurred. — The Chief Commissioner of Police states the authorities are prepared for all emergencies, even if it means a proclamation of martial law. The special constables now number 5000, and include many ex-Light Horsemen, who are standing by their horses ready for action. Motor loads of “specials” also patrol the streets. ; ’[’he Chief Secretary states he has received many applications from strikers for reinstatement, but none of them will be considered. The State Parliament meets to-day, when the position arising out of the rioting will be dealt with. The Government will introduce an Emergency Bill, which has already been drafted, providing for effective measures to deal with disorders similar to those of the past few days, including greater powers to disperse crowds assembling out of curiosity. ? ’TRADE UNION DEMAND. MELBOURNE, November 8. The Commonwealth Council of the Federated Unions passed a resolution deploring the inaction of the State Cabinet responsible for the police strike. It calls on the Government to abolish espionage and reinstate the strikers without victimisation.