Scene Outside Parliament

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7107, 16 March 1933, Page 6

Scene Outside Parliament

Big Crowd Seeks Minister for Employment

TACTFULLY DISPERSED BY POLICE

I’cr Press Associaliou WELLINGTON, Last Night

Although warned by the police thai 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 lor Employment (Hon. A. Hamilton). After several speakers had given brief addresses the police, who wero present in considerable numbers, tactfully prevailed- on the crowd to disperse. As the crowd assembled at the outset, word spread that tho Minister could not be seen and a move was made toward the main gate of the Parliamentary grounds, which wero guarded by a strong police forco under Inspector Lander, who informed the leaders of the deputation that the Minister was not in tho House, and in any case he would not consent to receive a deputation in force. There were some murmurings from the crowd, but Inspector Lander calmly told tho 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 scaling a pillar of the gates and attempting to address the crowd. Two constables, instructed by Inspector Lander, climbed the pillar and after a brief scuffle the Communist slithered down.

A solicitor, Mr. P. B. Filzherbert, then mounted the other pillar and after he had addressed tho crowd for a few minutes, Inspector Lander advised him to tell the people to go home. This Mr. i’itzhcrbcrt did.

Two policemen addressed the crowd for a few minutes and then tho police quietly but firmly moved back the cowd, which gradually melted.