BRITAIN’S WORKLESS

Gisborne Times, Volume LV, Issue 6202, 6 October 1921, Page 5

BRITAIN’S WORKLESS

FRACAS AT DEMONSTRATION. POLICE USE TRUNCHEONS. PITIABLE SPECTACLE IN SECOND PROCESSION. (Received Oct. 5, 7.40 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 4. A demonstration by unemployed occurred in the Strand and Trafalgar Square. When the police attempted to divert the demonstrators to Hyde Park the procession broke up and the demonstrators made for the Square as individuals. When several thousand had gathered, speakers attempted to address the gathering. .Mounted police and other constables cleared the Square, but other unemployed ’ rushed the cordon. The police drew their truncheons and drove the demonstrators towards the steps of St. Alartin\s Church. Several were knocked down and arrested. Some of the police were also injured owing to the throwing of glass bottles. Finally the demonstrators dispersed. Prior to the affray in Trafalgar Square, seven thousand tinemployed marched in most orderly fashion along Piccadilly to Hyde Park, escorted by a ' large body of police. Many of the demonstrators were exService men. including a number of decorated men and many wounded. There were also three sections of women, who bore marks of obvious poverty and hunger. Several were weeping and others pushing perambulators.

The demonstrators created a most profound impression as they marched through the busiest and most fashionable West End shopping centres. They were frequently cheered from the tons of ’buses. The fracas in Trafalgar Square, which was due to a misunderstanding, only lasted a few minutes. —A. and N.Z. C.A.