VICIOUS ATTACKS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 11 May 1929, Page 7

VICIOUS ATTACKS

TIMBER YARD “VOLUNTEERS”

PART OF STRIKE POLICY?

‘£2 10s FOR EACH MAN' INJURED’

SYDNEY, 3rd May. That men involved in the timber dispute in New South Wales and Victoria are pursuing a definite plan of intimidation is evidenced by the formidable list of vicious attacks on volunteers; a series which reached a definite climax in Sydney on Thursday, when 50 strikers attacked three car loads of volunteers, and the manager of one of the yards drew his revolver and fired two shots at the attackers.

It is the first occasion on which gunplay has characterised any of the attacks, but tlie manager was faced by a menacing situation, while bottles and stones were being burled at tlie car in which be was seated.

Investigations of police into the origin of the attacks make them incline to believe tlie startling suggestion which has been made by men in the trade, and those who claim to know something of what goes on behind the scenes at strike headquarters. It is stated openly that men are employed on a promise cf definite monetary reward to conduct these intimidating vicious attacks on the free labourers. In one quarter it is said that £2 10s is paid for each volunteer injured. Since the attacks commenced, during February, in New South Wales, there have been 20 volunteers injured by vicious attacks, and police have been able to effect' arrests in only two instances.

One of these occurred this week at Glebe, where a volunteer was kicked into unconsciousness, and subsequently went to hospital with bis skull fractured. Throe arrests were made, after the timber yard manager had fired on attackers at Ro'/elle on Thursday.

Even should some agreement he reached between the union officials and the owners, there is small likelihood that all the strikers will be re-eniploved. for the timber mil! owners have agreed that the volunteers who stuck bv them during the strike will he retained in eni’ih’vment whei-evrr possible. Labour in timber yards is not of a sneeialhed type. ew ['’Ting. of course, where the "key” men are concerned. E:;norf sawyers, saw doefrrs, pattern out tors. He., are amongst Ho men on sfrlco. bet many of Ho employers have had years nf practical experience in such no A! ions thenwe | '-u Sj and they are ranidlv training men for them. The outlook for the strikers is not rosy, whatever happens.