Former detective Duncan McNab is live and talking “Lang”… from 6pm.
If you reckon politics in Sydney these days is a bit of a crime scene, then consider Sydney in the 1930s - cocaine wars on the streets of the Cross and nearby; communists & militants were clashing with police, and the tabloids howling about revolution. As a counterpoint, the New Guard with it’s substantially ex military membership and quietly backed by many of Sydney’s elite, was promising '‘sane and honourable government’ and the chilling 'suppression of any disloyal and immoral elements in government, industrial and social circles’ - and they clashing violently with anyone not to their taste.
Down in Macquarie Street, Labor Premier Jack Lang had returned for second term as Premier, and was clashing with the Governor and the Federal Labor government Lang, described by the New Guard as a ’tyrant and scoundrel’ was determined to put his state on the global map and by personally opening the Sydney harbour bridge in March 1932 was part of that plan. Francis de Groote, a New Guard ‘zone commander’ who owned a furniture factory in Rushcutters Bay and described as a ‘dashing’ officer in World War 1, spoiled Lang’s moment and the world watched in flickering black & white film. Not long after, Police raided New Guard offices and uncovered their plans to overthrow the government. Many were arrested, but in the great Sydney tradition - the prosecutions disappeared. In May 1932, Governor Game booted Lang from office.
Join Brandy and Duncan for a chat about Sydney and Kings Cross during one of its most turbulent times. It was time when the Cross became the heart of Sydney’s nightlife, a bohemian enclave, home to emigres and locals fleeing a quarter quart in the ‘burbs - and a place poised to be world famous.
Tickers are $25.
Limited tickets, get in quick!