SYDNEY POLICE CHARGE DEMONSTRATORS IN THE DOMAIN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18972, 20 January 1930, Page 1

SYDNEY POLICE CHARGE DEMONSTRATORS IN THE DOMAIN.

Miners' Sympathisers Scattered By Repeated Rushes And Banners Captured.

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received January 20, 11.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, January 20. There was a remarkable scene at the Sydney Domain yesterday, when the Workers’ Defence Army, endeavouring to stage demonstrations against the police control of the coalfields, were scattered by swift police rushes and their banners were captured and destroyed in full view of thousands of spectators. From the tops of police cars, officers cried directions to their men and the crowds dispersed before the repeated charges. J. O Brien, formerly organiser of the Volunteer Timber Workers’ Association, had his stand at the Domain overturned and was being severely manhandled when rescued by the police. The correspondence between Mr Bavin and Mr SculUp regarding the Labour Defence Army has been published. Mr Bavin asked the Prime Minister to issue a proclamation under the Crimes Act forbidding the drilling of persons in the use of arms or in military exercises. Mr Scullin replied that there was nothing to show that the N.S.W. Police Force was inadequate for the maintenance of order. Mr Bavin said that the Police Force was adequate, but would be greatly assisted by the issue of a proclamation. The State Government has now decided to take action to secure suppression of the organisation on the ground that it is illegal. Mr James, M.P., in a speech at Cessnock, said that the police would be marked men for all time if they wanted blood. Mr James added that the members of the Police Force should throw away their arms and batons and meet the miners in equal numbers and fight with their fists.

DEADLOCK IN COAL INDUSTRY CONTINUES.

NO agreement yet IN SIGHT IN AUSTRALIA. (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) MELBOURNE, January 19. Attempts to settle the coal trouble are still continuing between the Prime

Minister (Mr J. If. Scullin), the coal owners and the Premier of New South Wales (Mr T. R. Bavin). The parties have not yet found a basis for an agreement.

FOUR CARGOES OF BRITISH COAL. LONDON, January 18. Four cargoes of British coal, aggregating 27,000 tons, have been sold to Australia during the week.