Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Saturday 22 April 1933, page 22


STREET MEETING STOPPED.

One Man Arrested.

Police prevented a meeting being held in Phoenix street, Brunswick, last night, to make a demonstration in favour of free speech. When a man entered Phoenix street with a small platform, he was warned by the police that if any act of obstruction occurred, obstructionists would be arrested. The man then walked away along Sydney road. Another man said, "Are we to be forced off the streets?" (Cries of "No !")

The crowd became thicker, and a man began to address those who had assembled. He had only uttered the word "Comrades" when police came from behind him and another warning was given.

A third man then attempted to speak. He said : "Are we Australians ? Are we free

men ? At this stage a motor-car contain- ing police turned into Phoenix street. Some of the crowd then shouted, "This is a 'frame up.' We have never had any cars at our meetings in the street before." One man was taken to the police car. Another man was taken into custody on

a warrant for commitment for an unpaid fine in connection with an obstruction charge arising out of a previous meeting. The fine was paid, however, and the man

was released.

Later, Raymond Noonan, aged 33 years, labourer, was charged at the Brunswick

police station with having obstruted the roadway in Phoenix street by loitering

thereon.