AN UGLY SCENE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 19156, 12 April 1932, Page 3

AN UGLY SCENE

RIOT IN AUSTRALIA Ugly scenes were features of the distribution of dole relief coupons at Scarborough Town Hall, says a Sydney paper. An angry mob rushed the sole constable and two dole inspectors, and grabbed two of the books and a number of rubber stamps. They threw the rubber stamps over a cliff into the ocean and two men charged later in connection -with the disturbance are alleged to have had the books in their possession. The trouble according to the police, was aoparently premeditated. Some of the unemployed comprising a number of Communists, held a meeting prior to the hour fixed for handing out the coupons. Surprise Move Two men were given tickets, but two others were refused and the crowd broke its queue with the cry “Come and take their books!” Constable Bleechmore and Dole Inspectors Hiles and Brassall were taken by surprise. Bleechmore was bustled aside by the heavy crush of men and by the time he reached his table again the books and stamps had gone. Bleechmore coolly packed up the rest of the books and walked from the hall. They followed him to the police station, outside which they held another meeting. Bleechmore put in a call for police assistance, which arrived from Woollongong in 15 minutes. The crow'd jeered at the reinforcements, who, however, arrested two men. About 200 men and women will have to wait till next week for their coupons.