A COUNTERBLAST

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10896, 10 May 1921, Page 5

A COUNTERBLAST

TO SYDNEY DISLOYALISTS REMARKABLE DEMONSTRATION IN DOMAINSOCIALIST LEADER ARRESTED. By Telegraph— Press Assn. —Copyright SYDNEY’, May 9. The loyalty demonstration in the Domain yesterday in reply to the flagburning incident was unprecedented for size and the display of loyalty. It is estimated that 100,000 to 150,000 par ticipated. At times serious trouble threatened, the militants’ meetings being rushed and broken up. and a red flag captured and burned amid an uproarious scene. The police, who were present in large force, made several arrests. A number of Socialist speakers were pulled off a platform and received a rough handling. Mr E. Jiidd. addressing a meeting oi the Socialist Labour Party, incensed at the constant interruptions, drew a revolver. A wild rash followed, ana with the greatest diliK-ultv the ponce managed to rescue Judd from the sngry arowd, and took him to the police station, where ho was charged with being in possession of a revolves without a license, and behaving in an offensive manner. Four others were arrested for riotous behaviour. Judd and about a dozen others, including a superintendent of police, were treated at the hospital for Injuries, mostly minor ones, caused by the crushing. The following resolutions were adopted : “That the Union Jack is the flag of Australia, and that the red flag or any other emblem of revolution snail never be exhibited in this State.” "‘That in view of the dangers threatening the Commonwealth and the State, we combine for the purpose of eradicating from Australia all enemy agents and sympathisers who are out to disrupt the integrity of the Empire.” The speeches were fervidly loyal, and hotly indignant against the insult to the Union Jack.

Returned soldiers, whose league was chiefly responsible for the loyalty demonstration, sought vainly for Donald Grant and Garden, two of the militant leaders, whose previous utterances had irritated them, and 'upon wham they threatened vengeance, bnt their quest failed. Other leaders, whose meetings were broken tip, had to receive police protection. _ At night a demonstrative opuwu gatiu ered outside the Communist Hall, hut the police were in _ strong force, ant prevented the breaking up of the meet Jng proceeding inside. _ .. Amongst the Domain meetings, on* was organised by the Australian Labour Party section of the Returned Sailors and Soldiers’ League, who displayed their banner, bnt no Union Jack. This incensed the crowd, whe demanded the flying <ff the TTnior Jack. Finally they rushed the plaf form and hooded the Union Jack, ax dispersed the meeting. 'Hie whole demonstration was a nr morable display against anti-loyalty.