“RIOTERS FIRED ON.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 458, 20 May 1932, Page 4

“RIOTERS FIRED ON.”

London Daily’s View of Disturbances. GROSS EXAGGERATION. Under the headings, “Marines Fire on Rioters,” and “ Frenzied Looting in New Zealand,” the “Daily Express” (London) published the following grossly exaggerated account of the disturbances in Auckland. “More than 100 people including many police and at least one woman, were injured in grave Linemployed riots which raged for several hours in the centre of Auckland last night, when damage estimated at £IOO,OOO was done to property. “ Wholesale looting accompanied the riots, which were officially described as the worst in New Zealand's history. At midnight the situation was declared to be under control following the intervention of marines, who were compelled to fire on the mob. Hotel Fronts Smashed. “ In the early hours of to-day bodies of police, escorted by marine patrols, conducted a street-to-street search for suspects, as reports of spasmodic looting of unprotected shops trickled in to police headquarters. “ The trouble began when civil servants, protesting against a recent 10 per cent salary cut, marched in procession through the heart of the town. “ In Queen Street, the city’s principal thoroughfare, they were joined by a mob of unemployed, estimated at 10,000 men and women, which smashed every plate-glass window in the street and demolished cinema and hotel fronts, “ Police and others who attempted to stop the maddened rioters were trampled underfoot. “ A naval detachment was landed from the training cruiser Philomel, now in Auckland Harbour, while the city fire brigades were mobilised and instructed to turn water hoses on the rioters. Scores of Wounded. “ Even this impressive force proved ineffective in dealing with the disorders, and shortly before midnight orders were given to the marines to use their carbines. “ A volley was fired into the crowd, and hundreds fled pell mell into the side streets. The general hospital is filled with wounded, including seven policemen who are suffering from grave injuries. “It is agreed on all sides that the wage-cut troubles have left both employed and unemployed in an ugly temper, and that further disorders are probable unless the authorities take stern measures.”