RIOT IN “ LITTLE BOURKE.”

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3265, 10 July 1911, Page 2

RIOT IN “ LITTLE BOURKE.”

CHINESE AND LARRIKINS. THE CRUTCHV PUSH BREAKS OUT. After a period of quiescence the notorious Crutchy Push of North Melbourne got busy in Little Bourke street, with the result that the police reserves had to be called out, anti a number of larrikins and Chinese are now recovering from cut heads and contusions and abrasions.

'the Crutchy Push is a terrorist gang oi a type unique in the world’s history. Secretly, Melbourne is very proud of it. It" is an aggregation of young men and youths, every one of whom is a cripple. ’The majority of these larrikins have lost a leg, and in accordance with the principles of evolution have developed such power and dexterity in. the use of the crutch that they are, to te uninitiated, more formidable than an ordinary heavyweight with all his limbs about him. Tlie “Crutchy/’ standing on his whole leg, .is able to maintain a perfect balance, and by swinging his crutch by the end, clear a wide circle of all opponents. This evolution is used in tight corners. When he is at his best he uses tlie crutch as a rapier, prodding adversaries on the solar plexus with the sharp end. It is regarded a.s unprofessional to use the swinging bluut-end blow unless opposed to more than one antagonist. AVith either method, however, the skilful Crutchy can generally score knockout blows in profusion. Attached to the push as honorary members are half a dozen other youths who have lost an arm apiece. Their pleasing practice is to place a piece of road metal or an iron casting in the loose sleeve, and swing it with telling effect. The Little Bourke street riot arose from tlie excessive loyalty of the Crutch ies to the Throne and Empire. They wanted to demonstrate their appreciation of tlie crowning of King George by means of crackers, hut the. shops having closed at 6 o’clock, they had some difficulty in even seeing such explosives. They went to the shop of On Hie and Co., in Little Bourke street, and there beheld all sorts of fireworks stacked on the shelves. Gleefully they gave their orders, but a placid Chinese made no attempt to serve them. “It too late, said he. “Close up 6 o’clock. No sellee now.” The young men from North Melbourne persuaded and threatened, but the shopman, was firm. Then, in portentous silence, they filed out of the shop, secured pieces of road metal, and hurled them through the windows. Instantly Little Bourke street, was filled with Chinese armed with pieces of wood, tomahawks, and other improvised weapons, and an excellent imitation- of the Mexican revolution in miniature, was given. A telephone message was sent to the Russel street Police Station. The mischief-makers, however, did not wait for the arrival of the constables.