HOSTILE CROWD.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20311, 22 May 1934, Page 7

HOSTILE CROWD.

Unemployed Demonstrate at Palmerston North. STONE HURLED AT CAR. Per Press Association. PALMERSTON NORTH, May 22. A deputation of unemployed which sought to interview the Hon Adam Hamilton, the Minister of unemployment, and Mr W. Bromley, a member of the Board, at the railway station at noon, although not arranged according the schedule, was accorded an interEvents took a sensational turn. Following booing an dfrequent interruptions, the requests made by the men were refused by the Minister. The men’s representatives stated they would continue to organise and demonstrate unless their requests were agreed to. The Minister, who had been delayed some time and had an engagement to speak to a luncheon club, then proceeded with Mr Bromley to his 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 a demontrator. As the car left a stone was thrown. The police officials on duty immediately attempted to make an arrest, but the crowd was very hostile and frustrated the effort of a seargeant and four constables in this direction. The police were 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. The demands presented to the Minister were that camps be optional; that cuts be restored; that failing work sustence be given: and that those absent from relief jobs to-day should receive their pay allocation as usual. It was the largest demonstration of its kind yet seen here. Banners were carried and songs were sung. The Minister has arranged to meet a deputation of unemployed later.