“FALL IN!”

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4963, 2 September 1918, Page 5

“FALL IN!”

LONDON’S MODEL POLICE STILL ON STRIKE.

12,000 MEN GO OFF DUTY.

“ARE WE AFRAID OF THE ARMY I”

Australian and N.Z. Cable Asaooiation. (.Received August 31, 5.20 p.m.) LONDON, August 30. Normally the Metropoliton Police Force numbered 23,200. and it is now estimated at 24,800. The demands consist of a permanent addition to the wages of twenty shillings weekly, plus a twelve and a half per cent, war bonus; secondly, the reinstatement of Constable Thiel, provincial organiser, who was dismissed for association with the union; thirdly, the official recognition of the union. it is understood that the report that a twenty shilling increase had been conceded was incorrect. In any case, the union insists on its other demands. The* officials declare that the London pay is far below the provincial. They expect between four and five thousand to strike today and hold, a mass meeting at lower Hill. This evening tin* Scotland Yard authorities stated that they bad no idea how far the union represents the police force. Some divisional officers deny that the union has any large support. The police declared a strike at midnight unless the increase was granted. Scotland Yard thereupon announced that the increased pay had been authorised. LONDON, August 31. Practically all the city police have struck. The strikers held a mass meeting and decided to request that their executive, he allowed to interview Cabinet in order to explain the demands. General . Smuts refused to see the union executive, hut was willing to see a committee from all the stations.

Owing to the absence of pobe« there have been several attempts to rob jewellers in the Strand and smashing of windows. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association, and Eeuter’s. (Received Sept. 1. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. August 31. The Government has promised the police sympathetic consideration »f they return to duty. Australian and N.Z. CabJe Association. (Received Sept. 1. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. August 31. . Twelve thousand police are now on strike. • There were exciting scene? at Scotland Yard where five hundred strikers headed by a piper marched singing “Fall in and follow me.” When tlie striker? saw policemen on duty they cried “Blacklegs!” “Dirty Dogs!’-" or “Are we afraid of the Army!” The streets were crowded to watch the unaccustomed sights. The strike is likely to extend to the provinces. Tn the south men have been called out for duty as special constables who have be mi supplementing the work of the police since the beginning of the war.

STRIKE SETTLED.

1 ‘ MEN-IN-BLUE’ ’ RECEIVE MO HE PAY.

Eeuter’s Telegrams. (Received Sept. 1 11.3-5 p.m.) LONDON. August- 31

r !he police strike was settled after Mr Lloyd-George received a deputation. The men will receive thirteen shilling wc-ekly increase and resume dutv immediately.