Larrikinism

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 12, 8 July 1884, Page 2

Larrikinism

. ♦ On Sunday night last, at the conclusion of the services in the various places of divine worship in the borough, the scenes of riot in Manchester street were a disgrace to a civilised community. About fifty or sixty boys and hoodlums were assembled in knots and groups from the Makino bridge up to the Grey street crossing. On the bridge a considerable number were located, to the obstruction of foot passengers. Further up the road a party v was being drilled after the manner of the Salvation Army. The bad language used in many cases was simply disgusting, while the blasphemous ejaculations made, wnile burlesquing the proceedings of "The Army," were disgraceful. Suddenly the whole congregation burst into the most frightful yells, and rushed frantically after a lanky youth who was somewhat encumbered in his flight by a long overcoat. He fled on the " wings of terror," but was "rounded up" opposite Mr Cottrell's shop. An evident intention existed to give this hero a sound drubbing, ar he was accused of throwing mud at some of The Army. His skin was saved by the intervention of some more peaceable citizens. The mob retired up the street to their " point of vantage," on the Makino bridge, where they continued to make "night hideous " up till about ten .o'clock, when they, one by one, slunk off to their several abodes. Now this sort of thing must be stopped at once and for all time. We cannot see why the peace of a whole town should be disturbed by a few blackguards who choose to select ' Sunday night as a time to make" high, holiday." The practice was effectua'ly, stopped before, and it can be agiin. One or two examples, similar to those made a few years ago, would cure them for a period. Constable Gillespie has promptly taken the matter in hand, and the ringleaders will appear before the It.M. in a few days.