WILD BRAWL IN BRISBANE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25737, 8 January 1945, Page 5

WILD BRAWL IN BRISBANE

BOTTLES AND BRICKS AS WEAPONS

(0.C.l SYDNEY, Dec. 15. Four hundred soldiers, Chinese workers, and civilians were involved ’this week in Brisbane's worst mob brawl of the war. Later 11 persons were treated at hospital for injuries, and many others with lesser injury did not seek treatment. The Chinese workers were employed by the United States authorities. The riot started in an hotel bar, where opposing factions burled beer glasses at each' other. The brawlers fought their way out of the hotel into a nearby paddock, flanked by a high paling fence. Meanwhile, Chinese reinforcements had arrived. In the paddock the Chinese found bottles and bricks, which they hurled into a crowd of civilians and soldiers. Many of the missiles were caught and hurled back at the Chinese. Knives, chisels, and other weapons were used by the brawlers. Three men on horses, who were attacked, tore palings off the fence and charged into the crowd. Police, hopelessly outnumbered, fired shots into the air to quieten the crowd, but with little effect. Other police and service police were rushed from the city, South Brisbane, and the Valley area. Ambulance bearers were called to treat the wounded, but the Chinese would not let them through. The only victim they were able to reach was an Australian soldier who had been stabbed with a chisel. He was taken to a military hospital with wounds in tlie back and chest. Six Chinese and four civilians also received hospital attention.