ORDER IN MELBOURNE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18551, 8 November 1923, Page 9

ORDER IN MELBOURNE.

♦ — ' 5000 SPECIAL POLICE. PUBLIC SAFETY BSLL. MARTIAL LAW IF NEEDED. POSITION OF STRIKERS. NONE TO BE REINSTATED. By Telecraph-— Association Copyright. (Received 10.55 p.m.) A. and N.Z. MELBOURNE. Nov. 7. There is every indication that disorder has been finally quelled, and the city is normal again. Although reports of offences in the suburbs are received occasionally, nothing serious has occurred. The Chief Commissioner of Police states that the authorities are prepared for all emergencies, even if it means the proclamation of martial law. Special constables now number 5000 and include many ex-light horsemen, who are standing bv their horses ready for action. Motor loads of special constables also patrol the fctreets. The State Parliament meets to-day when the. position arising out of tho rioting will bo dealt with. The Government will introduce an Emergency Public Safety Bill, which is already drafted, providing for effective measures to deal with disorders similar to those of tho past few days. The Bill will give the Government wider powers for coping with riots. It provides for protection of special police, dispersal of crowds, prevention of unlawful assemblies, and prevention of violence and intimidation. The Chief Secretary states that ho has received many applications from the strikers for reinstatement, but none cf them will be considered. SUPPORT FOR STRIKERS. TRADES HALL DECLARATION A. and N.Z. MELBOURNE. Not. 7. Tho disputes committee at the Trades Hall recommends the police to continue the fight to the- end, and declares that all tho resources of the Labour movement will bo thrown behind them for that prrpose. This move in support of the strikers is regarded ominously, as it is feared the militant unions may maks common cause with, the strikers, in which event there will be a bitter struggle to aggravate an already disquieting position.. '