SALVATIONIST RIOTING.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 4531, 6 December 1884, Page 3

SALVATIONIST RIOTING.

Exciting Scone at an "Army" Meeting,

On the evening of the 10th inst, the usual evening services of the Salvation Army at

tho Protestant Hall, Castloreaghstrcot, Sydney, wero the scm) of n disturbance that eventually terminated in a most alarm-

ing manner. Shortly after the band had played tho opening hymn it was evident that among the audieuce, numbering some two thousand peoplo, there were several moro on amusement than salvation

intent. Tho interjections of "Glory be toCod"and "Hallelujah", werointersdereod

with "Hear, hear," and a duct of groans on uioue than one occasion. Muttois, however, gradually grew vrorfe as tho service proceeded. First oncoJJendii' was removed by a " Sergeant" ot the army, mid then the man of stripes was called on to eject anot her. The delinquent objecting to this proceeding," and showing tight, the stalwart eon of " t'lood and lire," despite the struggles of his

larrikin antagonist, took him on the nursing principlo,«iiidwiththea!'3istanceofaootnnide succeeded in clearing the gallery of his presence. Meanwhile the fihnds of the ejected ono had left their _seaH and, following in the wake of their friend or companion, were ursing him to let tho Salvation guardians of the peaco "have it." To drowu, if possible, tho noise caused by this unseemly interruption, and the disturbance consequent thereon, the bands launched forth.into " Whoro *ho living waters flow." After a short time quiothoss again feigned, only to be followed with another interruption from the opposite sido of the gallery. The "captain" from tboBtage then ordered two more of the audience 1' to leave thehousoatouce.'' Tho " named" parties, amidst the breathless attention of t!io whole house, carried out this order by rising and leaving their seats. One, however, so far forgot himself, or otherwiso through spirit of bravado, as to cover his head before leaving the gallery. " Kemove that man's hat," shouted the captain," and romoved it wai ace rdingly, only to be replaced. " Docs anyono know tho names of those tuo men?' formed the next interrogation of tho Salvation Army leader. No one claiming that honour, then followed the stern command, "Put them out, and give them in charge to the police for creating a disturbance." This was the finishing stroke. The excitement, momentarily increasing, now reached its climax. Men and women rose en masse, and made for tho door, out of which the seraiprisoners had just been hustled. Tho crush of the staircase leading to the exit, door would have been bad under tho circumstances alone, but as if to swell the roll of accidents already chronicled on this score pending the arrival of the police, the means of ojrress were blocked at the foot of the staircase by the door being closed. Close scrutiny revealed the iact that undef the stairs a guard of five "sergeants " held their temporary prisoners in custody, and to prevent the escape of the offenders the innocent wero made to sutler. After ropcated expostulations one half of the door was opened,, through which a half panicstricken crowd, urged on partially by fear and pressure combined, hastily escaped. At ono moment the crush assumed a serious

aspect, and although there were a number of bruises sustained, the iDJuries received were of a trifling character. On the arrival of the police, who promptly attended when called on, no arrests were made ; but the names of the offenders were officially ascertained.