BRITAIN'S UNEMPLOYED

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14768, 6 October 1921, Page 5

BRITAIN'S UNEMPLOYED

FRACAS IN LONDON POLICE CLEAR TRAFALGAR SQUARE A PATHETIC PROCESSION, (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received October 5, 7.40 p.m. LONDON, October 4. A demonstration by the unemployed occurred at the Strand and Trafalgar Square. When the police attempted to divert the demonstrators to Hyde Park the procession broke up, and the demonstrators made for the Square as individuals. When several thousand had gathered speakers attempted to address the gathering. Mounted police and other constables immediately cleared the Square, but other unemployed rushed the cordon. The police drew their truncheons and drove the demonstrators towards the steps of St. Martin's Church. Several were knocked down and arrested. Some of the police were also injured owing to the throwing of glass bottles. Finally the demonstrators were dispersedPrior to the affray in Trafalgar Square 7000 unemployed marched in most orderly fashion along Piccadilly to Hyde Park, escorted by a large body of police. Many of the demonstrators were ex-service men, including a number of decorated and many wounded; also three sections of women who bore marks of obvious poverty and hunger. Several were weeping, and others were pushing perambulators. The demonstrators created a most profound impression as they marched through the business and most fashionable West End shopping centres. They were frequently cheered from the tops of T>uscs. The fracas in Trafalgar Square, wbich was due to a misunderstanding, only lasted a few minutes. LATER. A COMMUNIST MOVE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received October 6, 1.5 p.m. LONDON, October 5. The police authorities praise the leaders of the genuine unemployed, who did not participate in yesterday's disorder, which was due to communist agitators.