RAID ON SHOP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21649, 20 May 1932, Page 8

RAID ON SHOP

UNEMPLOYED HELP THEMSELVES

A HIGH-HANDED PROCEEDING

GROCERIES AND FOODSTUFFS STOLEN

(Per United Press Association.) HAMILTON, May 19.

Stating that their families were starving, a crowd of 40 unemployed surged into the Huntly branch of the Farmers’ Trading Company about mid-day to-day. and despite an appeal from the manager, Mr W, H. Northmore, helped themselves to groceries and other foodstuffs on riie shelves. No damage was done, but it was impossible for the depleted" staff to stop the depredations of the looters. A large crowd stood outside while the men were taking the goods. Police parties left Hamilton and Auckland for Huntly this afternoon. The men approached the local representative of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board and were offered two days’ work. This they refused, demanding sustenance. They subsequently held a meeting and decided to visit the Farmers’ Trading premises.

On entering the shop the men demanded fl worth, of goods each, to bo charged up to the Charitable Aid Board. On the manager’s refusal the men, about 40 in number, in response to their loader's appeal to help themselves, proceeded to fill sugar sacks and other receptacles with groceries. The men entered and left the shop in a comparatively orderly manner. The value of the goods taken is estimated at £lO. •

It was fortunate that the mines in the district were working, otherwise an ugly situation might have developed. The situation at Huntly is being carefully watched by the police.