A FREE FIGHT.

Feilding Star, Volume V, Issue 1451, 27 March 1911, Page 2

A FREE FIGHT.

'SEVERAL PEOPLE BADLY INJURED.

BY ELEOTBIO TELEQBAPH—COPYBIGHT. tPJEH PEES& ASSOCIATION.) Sydney, March. 26. A disgraceful riot occurred at the Agricultural Society's grounds, where an enormous crowd gathered to witness, buckjumping contests. Failing to secure accomodation elsewhere, hundreds attempted to rush the grandstand which is. in course of erection. Those in charge tried to stop them, with the result that a general fight took place. Timber from the' stand and stones were used freely, several people being badly injured. A strong force of police was requisitioned, and finally restored order. Later. A buckjumping exhibition on the Agricultural Ground drew a crowd estimated at 78,000. Tns whole of the space round the ring, and even the. roofs, were densly packed. As soon as the exhibition started, hundreds of men and boys broke the barriers and rushed the enclosure, shouting and howling. They commenced chasing the horses and cattle used in the show, adding to the uproar and confusion. Only two police wre present. When those in charge of the unfinished stand attempted to prevent an entrance, the crowd, armed with pieces of timber and stones, chased and took possession. The disturbance was in progress an hour before reinforced police were able to. clear the ground. Two youths and a man received injuries necessitating hospital treatment, and a number of others received minor injuries. Damage was done to the stand and other property.