CONSTABLES CHASED

Gisborne Times, Volume LX, Issue 9798, 7 May 1924, Page 5

CONSTABLES CHASED

CROWD TURNED BACK WITH RE VOL V Fit SHOT.

TRAMWAY STRIKE IN MELBOURNE.

TROOPERS ORDERED TO BE READY FOR ACTION.

(United I An ugly situation occurred in connection with the tramway strike when two constables passing a crowd which congregated outside the Socialist Hall were subjected to hooting and abi^se. The constables, after being threatened by the crown, turned and made off, ’with a large section of the mob m pursuit. They had gone about a hundred yards when one of them turned and fired a revolver at the crowd. The cartridge was a blank one, but it baa the effect of stopping the pursuit. The incident appeared to put the crowd in an angiy mood. Several street fights occurred. Shortly after a detachment of police arrived and dispersed the gathering. Following the disturbance two arrestswere made.

Many of the crowd threatened the police who were making arrests, bub after some trouble the angry section was quelled. All troopers are ordered to he ready for immediate action. Police leave has been cancelled.

No trams word run yesterday, except on some of the electric circuits, hut the full effect will net he felt till Monday, as yesterday was a holiday.

The Railway Department ran many extra trains to.cope with tlie traffic. The Victorian branch of the Australian Railway Union meets to-night, when it is expected that the tramway strike and railway employees’ attitude will be discussed. An official of the Tramway Board stated that until the cable trams ceased yesterday they had been running continuously, except on Sunday morning, for 36 years. A meeting, of the Tramway Union passed a resolution placing the matter in the hands of the Trades Hall Disputes Committee, also favoring a fight to a finish. —U.P.A.

BOARD, TRADES HALL AND MEN CONFER.

OUTLOOK MORE HOPEFUL

(Received May 6, 9.40 p.m.) MELBOURNE, May 6.

A conference of tlie Tramway Board, Trades Hail and tramway employees' representatives discussed the strike. The outlook is now more hopeful.

Cabinet has decided not to intervene, as the Tramway Board is clothed with all necessary authority to enforce discipline in its service and proteet the public. The lack of trams today caused great inconvenience. The men to-night discuss the proceedings of the conference, which Lave not been made public.—U.P.A.