GERMAN UNEMPLOYED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18381, 23 April 1923, Page 7

GERMAN UNEMPLOYED.

RIOTING IN THE RUHR.

BLOODSHED AT MULHEIM.

NINE DEAD: 70 WOUNDED.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. A. and N.Z. " BERLIN, April 20.

The Ruhr unemployed are becoming increasingly restive, and are threatening to paralyse life in the towns unless work or increased dotes are provided. Evidence is accumulating that the agitation is inspired by Communists, . who . are encouraging disorder. The disturbances in Mulheim were renewed, and 3000 unemployed barricaded themselves in the centre c r . the town with overturned carts and heaps of bricks and stopped traffic. The men a.re all armed "with clubs and weapons plundered from the gunsmiths' shops. The gunsmiths succeeded in destroying the ammunition before tha rioters attacked.

The Mayor remained in the Town Hall, guarded by a picked armed force, which fired when the crowd became threatening. Nine were killed and 70 wounded. The unemployed declare that they intend to remain in possession of the town till their demands are conceded.

Essen workmen are also restless, and are demanding increased pay. A crowd besieged the Town Hall. When told that nothing could be done they left, threatening armed intervention in the town. Measures are being prepared against a disturbance.