CROWD DISPERSED.

Wairarapa Age, 16 March 1933, Page 5

CROWD DISPERSED.

UNEMPLOYED IN WELLINGTON POLICE ACT TACTFULLY. WELLINGTON, March 15. Although warned by the police that a demonstration would not be permitted a large crowd of unemployed about four o’clock this afternoon, gathered outside Parliament Buildings to sup : port a deputation formed with the intention of waiting upon the Minister of Employment, the Hon. A. Hamilton. After several speakers had given brief addresses the police, who were present in considerable numbers, tactfully prevailed on the crowd to disperse. As the crowd grew word spread that the Minister could not be seen and a move was made toward the main gates to the Parliamentary Grounds, which were guarded by a strong police force under Inspector Lander, who informed the leaders of the- deputation that the Minister was not in the House and in any case, he could not consent to receive a deputation in force. There were some murmurings from the crowd. Inspector Lander calmly told the leaders that they would not be allowed to enty Parliament grounds and advised them to arrange with the Minister to receive a reasonable number of their delegates. A diversion was created by a man scaling the pillar of the gates and attempting to address the crowd. Two constables, instructed by Inspector Lander, climbed the pillar and after a brief scuffle the Communist slithered down. A solicitor, Mr. P. B. Fitzherbert, then mounted the other pillar and after addressing the crowd for a few minutes Inspector Lander advised him to tell the people to go home. This Mr. Fitzherbert did. Two other spokesmen addressed the crowd for a few minutes and then the police quietly but firmly moved back the crowd, which gradually melted.—(P.A.)