On Friday March 6 1931, the town found itself, or some of its residents at least, being on a military footing. Why, what for ?

Across the Wimmera/Mallee regions of NW Victoria, the local town gentry, and the ‘would be’s if they ‘could bes’, took up arms and ammunition, guarding bridges, roads, etc in fear of an uprising of a terrible troika of Catholics, Communists and the Unemployed.

The gentry swore to uphold law and order.  Rumours circulated of Communists marching on Ballarat and Bendigo. Stories abounded of police being murdered in Melbourne.

Not suprisingly it all came to nought.

Despite this mobilisation of a trained paramilitary force of the Right, they realised their actions were out of synch with reality. Next day they sheepishly returned home, hoping the episode would be swept under the carpet, which it very much has been.

It’s scary to see how quickly, and dangerously, the Right can mobilise if they feel the need arises.

March 6 1931 is a long time ago, but let’s be aware of it. Who’s to say what would have happened if Rudd/Gillard had tried to REALLY tax the mining barons?!

 For more details of this nefarious period, it’s good to refer to Michael Cathcart’s Defending the National Tuckshop – Australia’s Secret Army Intrigue of 1931 Penguin 1988.

Glen!