U.S. FARMERS DEMAND FOOD FOR FAMILIES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19270, 6 January 1931, Page 1

U.S. FARMERS DEMAND FOOD FOR FAMILIES.

MOB MAKES THREAT TO LOOT ARKANSAS SHOPS. (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.- -Copyright.) NEW YORK, January 4. A report from England, Arkansas, states that the prolonged drought that ruined hundreds of Central United States farms last summer had a dramatic sequel when a mob of 500 farmers, some armed, marched on the town, demanding food for themselves and their families. When the mob threatened to break into the shops for provisions unless they were supplied without cost from other sources, the local residents sent an appeal to the Red Cross headquarters, while George Morris, an attorney, addressed the farmers. He assured them that they would not be permitted to starve, and cautioned them against committing regrettable depredations. Mr Morris was frequently interrupted by cries that their wives and children were actually dying because there was no food. Some shouted: “We are not beggars. We will willingly work if we can get it.” The Red Cross authorities authorised the local provision shops to issue a small food allowance to the needy until other arrangements could be made.