THE POLICE STRIKE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19013, 8 November 1923, Page 7

THE POLICE STRIKE.

OFFICIAL LABOUR SUPPORT. OMINOUS MOVE BY DISPUTES COMMITTEE. Prana Association—By Telegraph—Copyright MELBOURNE, November 6. The Disputes Committee at the Trades Hal! recommends the police to continue the. fight to the end, promising that all the resources of the Labour movement would be thrown behind them for that purpose. Although the city is restored practically to normal, the Trades Hall move is regarded ominously, as it is feared that the militant unions may make common cause with the strikers, in which event there will be a bitter struggle and an aggravation of the already disquieting position. AN EMERGENCY BILL. MELBOURNE, November 7. The State Parliament will meet to-day, when the position arising cut of the rioting will be dealt with. The Government will introduce an emergency Bill, which is already drafted, providing for effective measures to deal'with disorders similar to those of the past few days, including greater powers to disperse crowds assembling out of curiosity. CITY AGAIN NORMAL. AUTHORITIES PREPARED FOR ANY EMERGENCY. MELBOURNE, November 7. (Received Nov. Y, at 11 p.m.) There is every indication that the disorder has been finally quelled. The city is normal again, and although reports of offences in the suburbs are received occassionally 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. The special constables now number 5000. and include many ex-light horsemen, who are standing l>v tacit horses readv tor action. Motor loads of “specials” also patrol the streets. The Public Safety Bill gives the Government wider powsrs for coping with riots, and provides for the protection of special police, the dispersal of crowds, the prevention of unlawful assemblies, and the prevention of violence and intimidation. The Chief Secretary states that he has received many applications from strikers for reinstatement, but none of them will be considered.