Serious Riots in West Indies

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 250, 23 October 1935, Page 4

Serious Riots in West Indies

Three Labourers Shot Dead

CARS SMASHED AND SHOPS

LOOTED

United Press Association.—Bv Electric Telegraph.— Copyright. Received Tuesday, 9.50 pan.

KINGSTOWN (St. Vincent), Oct. 21

Three rioters were shot dead and several were wounded on Monday night as a crowd of angry labourers armed with clubs and stones stormed business houses.

Hundreds of negroes surged through the streets of the capital after threatening disorders all day, A number of stores were looted and cars owned bv the Administrator and other Government officials were wrecked before an armed _ guard dispersed the rioters. There is no assurance that the trouble is over and guards have been placed on duty for the night. Alt business has been suspended.

In the afternoon an unruly nub surrounded the Administrator outside the Courthouse demanding u hearing of the workmen’s problems. Quiet” was restored after the Administrator promised to receive representatives on

the questions ol: minimum wages, workmen’s compensation and customs duties. Meanwhile Ihe guard around the building lias been doubled. The crowd broke up without violence, but before many hours gathered again, their ranks being swelled by labouiers trom on!lying plantations.

One or two minor front sired incidents were enough to start ihe whole crowd rampaging. The largest business houses and stores were the lirst to bo attacked and much food, clothing and other stock was carried off. As the rioters went from place to place they made side excursions in scarcli of official ears for smashing. Not until their ranks had been broken by police lire did the disorders cease.