RIOTOUS SCENES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 108, 7 April 1932, Page 7

RIOTOUS SCENES

TROUBLE IN NEWFOUNDLAND. FALL OF THE GOVERNMENT. PREMIER AND WIFE ASSAULTED. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received April 7, 8.5 a.m. ST. JOHN’S (Newfoundland), April 5. The Premier, Sir Richard Squires, was rescued on Tuesday night from the House of Assembly, where he had been be&Jged for several hours during and after the resignation of the Government, and was taken to a private residence nearby by a volunteer rescue party led by Rev. AA’. A. Godfrey, Rev. C. Johnson, and Rev. Father Pippy. The crowd recognised them, but threatened to throw Sir Richard Squires into the harbour. The influence of the clergymen was used to induce their- dispersal. Shortly alter eight o’clock, however, crowds were still congiegaied in the Government grounds witn beleagured policemen still inside the building. Two constables and two injured civilians were taken to hospital. The disorders and the Government’s resignation were the culmination of a disagreement within the Government party and a series of public demonstrations early in February. Mr Peter Cashin, Minister of Finance and Customs, announced his resignation and severance with the party on February 4. He read charges in the House of Assembly asserting that the Premier had falsified the minutes of the Council in order to manipulate public funds. The Opposition sought a Parliamentary inquiry, but on the motion of the Premier the charges against himself were referred to the Governor, Sir John Middleton, who, in reporting no irregularity to the House, inferred that the minutes of the Council could not be called into question after they had been confirmed by the Council itself. On Mr Cashin's resignation Sir Richard Squires took over the Finance portfolio and his Budget balancing estimates on the basis of findings by Sir Percy Thompson, and Mr Ji F. Penson, British Treasury experts, brought on the resignation of Dr. H. M. Mosdell, Minister without portfolio, and the withdrawal from the party of two elected representatives. The imposition of duties on foodstuffs and fishermen’s supplies was given as their reason or dissatisfaction with the Budget. On February 11 a mob broke into the Government offices while the Council was in session, to demand an increased dole, and in the melee Sn Richard Squires received a blow in the lace. Again, a few days ago, dole increases were demanded when a doputa tion gained admittance to the Assembly, and presented its case to the bar of the House. Tuesday’s occurrence grew out of a mass meeting on Monday night, when resolutions were drawn up requiring proper investigation into the falsification charges. . AVhen order had been partially restored, it was learned that Sir AA’illiam Coaker, Minister without portfolio, and Mr Cashin had asked the Governor, Sir John Middleton, to require the Premier’s resignation in the liopo that the crowd would disperse. The Governor had arranged to sail for England on Saturday on three months’ leavo of absence. No official resignation, however, had been tendered on Tuesday night. The Premier made a second escape from the private residence, where lie had been taken for shelter, eluding the mob by leaving through the rear entrance. The crowd then raided the Government lifjuor store,’ and carried off all available supplies. Later they began to disperse.

PICKETS PATROL STREETS.

NO FURTHER DISTURBANCES.

Received April 7, 8.50 a.m. ST. JOHN’S (Newfoundland), April 6

Pickets patrolled the streets this morning; but no further disturbances are reported and business is being carried on as usual. The merchants apparently did not fear the demonstrators, whose only grievance seemed to be with the Government, but excitement reigned as word was awaited of the fate of the Squires Government. When the Premier was rescued from the House of Assembly on Friday night, after being bottled up with a detachment of police for several hours, his resignation was expected hourly. At eleven o’clock on Wednesday morning it had not been, received, but it was reported that Sir William Coaker would advise the Governor to ask for it. It was also reported that Sir William Coaker’s plans were for a National Government with Mr F. C. Alderdice, the Opposition leader, as Premier. When Lady Squires, wife of the Premier and Newfoundlands only woman legislator, left her seat in the House of Assembly on Tuesday under the escort of Mr L. E. Emerson, an Opposition member, her face was bandaged, indicating that she had been hit with one of the missiles that were hurled through the windows of the Chamber. It is believed that she is not seriously hurt.

POLICE USE VIOLENCE,

CITIZENS INCENSED,

MR PETER CASHIN’S VERSION OF

THINGS.

Received April 7. 11.30 a.m. HALIFAX (Nova Scotia) April 6 Mr Peter Casliin, former Minister of Finance and Customs, who precipitated the recent political turmoil in Newfoundland, today cabled to the Canadian Press his story of Tuesday’s outbreak. He says:— “Yesterday’s disturbance was not quite as serious as I understand has been cabled abroad. The disturbance was caused bv a lack of tact on the part of the Chief of Police, who instructed the police patrol to use violence. This incensed the feelings of a large gathering of citizens, who strongly resented it. I personally spoke to the citizens from the steps of the Legislature on two occasions, and appeased the infuriated public. The Prime Minister, who fled from the building after dark, was afterwards lost among the crowd. He eventually escaped. , _ , “Mv opinion is that the Government will resign to-dav and possibly, a new Administration will be formed and a general election held early in May. I am strongly of the opinion that with a- Government holding the confidence of the people Newfoundland can he rehabilitated and the commercial activities of the country be given greater vigour than ever.”