THE ADELAIDE RIOTS.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 14, Issue 1140, 1 April 1870, Page 3

THE ADELAIDE RIOTS.

The Adelaide papers of the 2nd instant contain particulars of the disturbance created by the unemployed workmen of that city on the previous day. " Shortly before 12 o'clock," says the " Registrar," " a crowd of men, consisting chiefly of strong, healthy looking able bodied laborers, collected opposite the Treasury buildings. As it soon became evident that mischief was intended, the police were summoned, and about 20 men under Inspector Bee, made their appearance. Their services were soon called into requisition, for several score of the men rushed into the Government offices, shouting, howling, and vowing vengeance upon the Government. The constables placed themselves in the way and attempted to clear the passages, but their united strength was unequal to the task, and a number of the civil servants, who had been attracted to the spot by a spectacle so unusual in the quiet retreats of the Government offices, went to their assistance. By sheer strength the latter succeeded in expelling laborers and the police indiscriminately, and then all tho doors were securely bolted. Exasperated at the defeat of their attempt to gain the presence of the Ministers, the assemblage endeavored to hustle the Commissioner of Public Works. The Commissioner of Police interposed, and Mr. Colton judiciously retired. Mr. Hamilton then, as a precautionary measure, sent for-i&body of the mounted police. This .order .was promptly carried out, and half a dozen troopers, under Inspector Searcy, took up their position, at the corner of Waymouth street, to be ready in case of emergency. At half past one a band of about 5,0, marshalled with something like regularity, marched along King William street, and directed their course for the Treasury. More than a' score of policemen essayed to hold the steps against them, but were pushed aside, and a most vigorous effort was made to drive in the Treasury door, which shook beforo the pressure brought to bear against it. The police forthwith grappled with their assailants, prominent amongst whom was a determined looking muscular fellow, who evidently was regarded as the leader of the band." As the men showed fight the police drew their truncheons, and a general melee was imminent, At this moment the mounted troopers under Inspector Searcy, advanced at a hand gallop, and speedily cleared tho pavement opposite the Government block. Several of the men made a semblance of resistance, but they were forced to beat a retreat. The crowd re-formed opposite the old and new post office buildings, whither they were followed by tho troopers, who found it necessary occasionally to use the flat of of their swords to clear the way before them. Stones began l to fly freely, and shutters were put up in some of the neighbouring shops. The -police xiltimately called upon the bystanders to arrest one or two of the ringleaders, whom they indicated, and by 2 o'clock the men were secured, although not without much trouble. In the struggle, which for the time being looked far too much like a real riot to be at all pleasant, a few of the unemployed were wounded by the police, but not seriously. On the other hand the troopers did not escaped unharmed. Inspector Searcy was struck in the temple with a stono, and his horse fell under him. Trooper Tirrell had his right arm cut, with a stone it is supposed.. Trooper Humphreys was struck on the back of the head, and lay insensible on his horse's neck for several seconds, " It was reported that* an attempt was to be made on Tuesday night to rescue the prisoners confined in the cells, and complete precautions were taken to prevent the success of the scheme ; but although a number of people assembled in the streets, and kept alive the memory of the supremely absurd proceedings of the afternoon, there was no renewal of the disturbance."