STRIKE DISTURBANCES

Southland Times, Issue 19101, 20 November 1923, Page 5

STRIKE DISTURBANCES

BATON AND REVOLVER WORK INCIDENTS AT MELBOURNE COMPENSATION FOR LOOTING. (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) MELBOURNE, November 19. (Received November 19, 7.55 p.m.) The authorities continue to keep a strict watch against any recurrence of the recent troubles. A strong force of police made several baton charges and dispersed a large crowd at Preston, which had been in the habit of gathering in the street at week-ends for wagering purposes. The free use of the batons quashed the threatened organised resistance. A shooting affray occurred at Frankston. Senior-Constable Culhane and Constable Graham were conducting ex-Constable Hannah to the lock-up on a charge of drunkenness. Hannah drew a revolver and wounded both constables in the shoulder. Graham’s injury is not serious but Culhane was sent to a hospital. Hannah escaped but was rearrested on a charge of shooting with intent to murder. THE SPECIAL POLICE. RESENTMENT AT WAGE DEDUCTIONS. MELBOURNE, November 19. Following the announcement, that four shillings daily would be deducted from their pay to provide for mess allowance, the special constables held a mass meeting and decided to send a deputation to the Com-mander-in-Chief to ask to have the order cancelled; failing this, they would resigi). After an interview, Sir W. McCay announced that a settlement would be arrived at on Monday, and the cause of dissatisfaction removed. COMPENSATION FOR LOOTING. REFUSED BY THE STATE. MELBOURNE, November 19. (Received November 19, 11.0 p.m.) In reply to the Victorian Retailers’ Council which asked for State relief for shopkeepers who suffered during the riots, the Government regrets that the damage caused heavy losses. It adds: While the Government has a general duty to maintain order, there is no legal liability to make good losses arising from breach of the peace and the Government cannot assume any responsibility for compensation. On receipt of this, a meeting of shopkeepers formed “A Riot Sufferers’ League” with the object of obtaining full compensation for damage sustained. It was resolved to this end to explore every avenue, political or otherwise, without delay.