They’re here! 60 years ago, the Beatles visited our shores

Beatle alarm: “Danger of disaster”

The then Premier, Mr Renshaw, issued a special warning to parents of teenagers who will welcome the Beatles to Sydney, reported The Daily Telegraph. “Crowds can be dangerous if they get out of hand and children could be seriously hurt.” he said.

Mr Renshaw asked parents to warn their children of the danger that could flow from hysteria and uncontrolled panic. “I would not like to see here a repetition of the ugly scenes which almost led to disaster in Adelaide and particularly Melbourne. Scores of youngsters could easily have been killed in some of the mob scenes that developed there.”

Nearly 1000 State and Commonwealth police and security officers have been drilled for the occasion. Police have been drawn from country divisions of the State. John Lennon, the Beatles spokesman, said, “This is the greatest reception we have received anywhere in the world.” 
 

Main: Beatles alarm: They’re here!
 

Part of the thousands of youngsters and adults who sobbed hysterically.
 

The Beatles 1964: The year of their historic Australian tour.
 

<< Adapted by Frank Morris. Daily Telegraph, June 11,1964; Newsweek, special Commemorative issue. 

Remembering the day The Beatles arrived in Australia