RIOT AT A SHOW GROUND.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 79, 3 April 1911, Page 7

RIOT AT A SHOW GROUND.

MOB TAKES POSSESSION.

Skuthorp's Tnickjumping show at the Royal Agricultural Society's grounds, Bydnoy, on March 25, differed greatly from the anticipations of those who attended. At 2 o'clock, the time at which a start was made, there were between 60,000 and 70,000 spectators round the ring, and even the roofs of the paviiions were packed with onlookers. The first item was a competition for fiwagmen, ior which three entered; tout before this had been completed, an invasion of the ground sot in, -which rapidly assumed large proportions, until the crowd had charge to such an extent that further proceedings were out of the question for a time. For an hour and a-quarter, indeed, an unruly mob had possession, and there seemed every reason to fear still more riotous developments. An attempt was made toy a number of venturesome youths to clamber on to the new grandstand, which is not yet complete, and therefore still in the contractor's hands. These, however, -were forcibly kept back, pieces of timber being used by the defenders, who presumably were the contractor's men. The greatest excitement prevailed in the ring, and this -wae intensified by the efforts made by some of the rough riders, who pranced about on horseback, and also by the antics of a mob of bullocks, who made wild dashes here and there. The effect c-t this, however, was simply to keep the crowd moving from one part of the ground to another. Only a couple of police were to be seen in the ring, though they shortly after were joined by a few others. They, however, were quite powerless to do anything with the crowd, and matters were allowed to take their course for the time being. A notice, "No show till the ring is cleared," was conspicuously posted, but this had no apparent effect. At 20 minutes past 3 a cheer from the pavilions drew attention to the arrival of a body of police, about 40 strong. The men in blue were marched on to the ground, ropes passed along on either eide of the temporary stockyard in the middle of the ring, and by this means the intruding mass was gradually forced back, until, a clear space was left for the bu'ekjunrping. Operations then were commenced, and an interesting display was given, both ■with bucking horses and , with bullocks.