UNEMPLOYED GATHERING

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIII, Issue 80, 16 March 1933, Page 9

UNEMPLOYED GATHERING

CROWD AT PARLIAMENT GATES. TACTFULLY DISPERSED. Wellington, March 15. Although warned by the police that a demonstration would not be permitted, a large crowd of unemployed about 4 o’clock this afternoon gathered outside Parliament Buildings to support a deputation formed with the intention of waiting upon the Minister of Employment (the Hon. A. Hamilton). After several speakers had given brief addresses the police, who were present in considerable numbers, tactfully prevailed upon the crowd to disperse. As the crowd grow, word spread that the Minister could not bo seen, and a move was made towards the main gates of I’arlianient grounds, which were guarded by a strong police force under Inspector Lander, who informed the leaders of the deputation that tho Minister was not in the House and that in any case he would not consent to receive the deputation in force. There were some murmurings from the crowd. Inspector Lander calmly told the leaders that they would not be allowed to enter Parliament grounds, and advised them to arrange with the Minister to receive a reasonable number of their delegates. A diversion was created by a man sealing a pillar of the gates and attempting to address tho crowd. Two constables, instructed by Inspector Lander, climbed the pillar, and after a brief scuffle the Communist slithered down.

A solicitor, Mr P. B. Fitzherbert, then mounted the other pillar, and after he had addressed the crowd for a few minutes Inspector Lander advised him to tell the people to go homo. This Mr Fitzherbert did. Two other policemen addressed the crowd for a few minutes. Then the police quietly but firmly moved back tho crowd, which gradually melted.