A BUGLE BLOWS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19446, 4 November 1925, Page 7

A BUGLE BLOWS

SIGNAL FOR ATTACK POLICE STONED FOR TWO HOURS BATONS THEN USED SANQUINARY FIGHT AT FREMANTLE. By Telegraph—Per Press Aren.—Copyright. PERTH, Nov. 3. The captain of the Borda applied for police protection while steam was i raised, and a party of police were stationed on the vessel, while others remained on the wharf. Hearing of this, the strikers gathered on the wharf armed with hammers, iron bars, and short lengths of wood. The secretary of the Seamen’s Union arrived on the scene and addressed the men, whereupon the latters’ attitude changed from a passive demonstration to action. A bugle sounded from among the strikers, who then commenced to attack. The bugle was also the signal for the firemen and seamen on the Borda to lower rope ladders over the side, of the ship, the plan evidently being to overpower the police on the wharf and then take possession of the ship.

While the waterside workers at Fremantle viewed the rioting as interested spectators, the British seamen feverishly armed themselves in the vicinity of the Borda. The police were very patient, and submitted to a bombardment with lumps of coal and stones for about two hours. Viewing this inaction as weakness, many strikers approached to close quarters, taking careful aim before throwing. The mob then appeared to be getting out of all control, and the police charged. The rio/ers were swept back, but before this was accomplished the police had to pass through a heavy hail of coal and stones. Rushing to safety, the strikers ran to another steamer with the police close at their heels. Simultaneously, mounted troopers made a spectacular charge down the roadway parallel with the quay. After a short struggle on board the strikers were overpowered. It was then discovered that a considerable quantity of ammunition had been accumulated on the ship. There was a brief cessation of hostilities. Then the strikers again attacked the police, but were dispersed after 65 had been arrested. Both police and strikers presented

a dreadful spectacle, with faces and heads streaming with blood. One striker and one policeman were sent to hospital. The Borda was later taken from her berth and anchored in the roads. After the attack commenced the strikers rushed to the Argyleshire, from the deck of which they were assisted by other strikers in bombarding the police. The latter boarded the Argylcshire, and after an exciting chase under a heavy bombardment of coal, finally cornered the strikers in the stokehold. Lator advices state that many on both sides were sent to hospital.

Under instructions from the Seamen’s Union, the crew of the pilot steamer refused to convey the pilot to the motor ship Enton on Saturday, and the pilot was carried by a police launch.

RIFLES AND BAYONETS FREMANTLE POLICE ARMED READY FOR THE STRIKERS Received November 4. 12.30 a.m. PERTH, November 3. The police at Fremantle have been issued with rifles and bayonets to withstand a further onslaught if it eventuates. It is thought this is unlikely, in view of the severe handling the strikers received yesterday.