A HOSTILE CROWD

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19806, 23 May 1934, Page 4

A HOSTILE CROWD

MINISTER HOOTED. By Telegraph—Press Association PALMERSTON N. May 22. An unemployed deputation, which sought an interview with the Hon. Adam Hamilton, Minister of Employment, and Mr W. Bromley, members of the Unemployment Board, at the Railway Station, at noon, although not arranged according to schedule, the Minister having agreed to meet the men later in the afternoon, was accorded an interview on the maift street platform, when events took a sensational turn. Following booing and frequent interruptions, requests made by the men were refused by the Minister. The men’s representatives stated that they would continue to organise and demonstrate unless they were agreed to. The Minister, who had been delayed for some time, and who had an engagement to speak at the Luncheon Club, then proceeded with Mr Bromley to a car, surrounded by hundreds of demonstrators. Attempts were made to seize Mr Bromley, but he safely entered the car, leaving his hat in the hands of the demonstrators. As the car left, a stone was thrown. Police officials on duty immediately attempted to make an arrest, but the crowd was very hostile, and frustrated the effort, a sergeant and four constables being surrounded by an angry and excited crowd. The end of the demonstration came when, with the car’s departure, the men and women formed their ranks and marched away.