INFURIATED MOB

Southland Times, Issue 20633, 3 November 1928, Page 7

INFURIATED MOB

Rioters Fired On PITCHED BATTLE WITH POLICE THREE UNIONISTS WOUNDED PORT MELBOURNE AFFRAY (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) (Rec. 8.30 p.m.) Melbourne, November 2. A pitched battle between unionist stevedores and the police on the Port Melbourne pier to-day culminated in three unionists being shot. They were:— Allan Whittaker, who is in a serious •condition with a bullet in the right of his jaw. James Williams, a bullet in the right arm. George Gray, a bullet in the left shoulder. Two policemen, Holton and Caldwell, were injured with stones. Scores of unionists received minor injuries from batons and several were thrown into the sea, but were either rescued or paddled to safety. About 1000 unionists gathered round the gates of Prince’s pier in the morning and demanded admission. When refused they stormed the gates armed with sticks and stones, and overwhelmed the police whose batons were ineffective. Consequently the police were compelled to shoot. The battle raged for half an hour before the infuriated mob was dispersed. All work was at a standstill and Prince’s pier was isolated. Big overseas vessels, including the Chitral, were idle. A hundred extra police were brought from the country to Melbourne to maintain order. An aeroplane swooped down on the rioters while the battle was in progress. The men feared it would fire a machinegun and momentarily scattered and ducked their heads, but nothing of the kind happened. A similar incident occurred yesterday when the cruiser Brisbane fired a gun, which was only being tested. Shots were fired at a tug taking aboard volunteers at Port Melbourne in the afternoon. Stones were also thrown and one volunteer was injured. An attempt was also made to raid the steamer Port Adelaide, but the chief officer drew a revolver and repulsed the attackers. Representatives of the unionists and stevedores interviewed the Premier, Mr Hogan, and asked him to restrain the police from using firearms, otherwise they would have to resort to firearms themselves. Mr Hogan gave them to understand that the police were bound to preserve law and order. He promised to call Cabinet together to discuss developments.—Australian Press Association.