POLICEMEN ON STRIKE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19009, 3 November 1923, Page 10

POLICEMEN ON STRIKE

NIGHT SHIFT REFUSE DUTY. SWEARING IN SPECIAL CONSTABLES. iWa Association —By Tslegraph— Copyright MELBOURNE, November 2. Cabinet has decided that the _ police must resume their duties unconditionally. When this intimation was conveyed to the police the night quota refused duty. The Premier (Mr Lawson), in commenting on the police strike, said that discipline, efficiency, and loyalty in the force were essential to law and order in the community. The grievances could not be considered in the face of threats to strike. The Victorian Police Association has recommended its members to resume duty until representations are made in Parliament ; but the night staff are resolutely opposed to a compromise. The Commissioner sought reinforcement from the suburban stations to replace the strikers, but as they anived they refused duty, and were dismissed. With the exception of the Criminal Investigation Department, practically the whole of the Police Force refused duty. The authorities are taking steps to swear in special constables for temporary protection. They are also calling on retired constables. A cablegram from Melbourne, which was published, yesterday, stated that the night shift of the police force had refused to take over their beats unless the existing system of control by senior constables in plain clothes was discontinued. Later the impasse was temporarily overcome by the commissioner promising to abolish the system pending consultation with the Ministry, at which the police will be represented; and the beats were resumed at 1 o’clock.