A WEST COAST SENSATION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXII, Issue 8231, 23 November 1911, Page 3

A WEST COAST SENSATION.

DISORDERLY MEETING

HOKITIKA, November 22. Mr H. L. Michel, a candidate for the Westland seat,''addressed a.large meeting at Boss last evening. A special train from Hokitika carried two hundred of his supporters. Mr Michel had i a good hearing," the meeting being orderly until a motion for a vote of thanks had been moved and seconded. Then Mr Joseph Grimmond (Ross) mounted the stage to speak to the motion and reply to a criticism by MiMichel of some references made by Mr Grimmond at Hokitika regarding Mr Michel's attitude towards the sale of Hokitika harbour reserves and the Ross Flat management. Amidst some uproar, Mr Grimmond commenced to speak, the Mayor (Mr Brace) asking for British fair play. Mr Michel then rose to a point of order, stating; that there was no precedent for allowing speeches, or an

attack, on a motion of vote of thanks. Mr Michel immediately walked, off the stage into the body of the hall— this being the signal for a regular pandemonium of cheering, hooting and singing. Mr Grimmond was unable to obtain a hearing, but continued reading his statement. At the conclusion, amid continued uproar, the Mayor put the motion, and declared it carried. The excited crowd continued the uproar for a consilerable time afterwards.