WELL DESERVED REBUKE

Gisborne Times, Volume LI, Issue 5345, 4 December 1919, Page 5

WELL DESERVED REBUKE

“RED FED” LEADER AT MURCHISON. MOST OF THE AUDIENCE WALK. OUT OF THE HALL. SEQUEL TO MR. HOLLAND’S ATTITUDE DURING THE WAR,. Press Association Telegram. NELSON, Dee. 3. M. E. Holland was announced to deliver an address at Murchison to-night, and at the appointed hour just over 100 residents had assembled in the local hall. Mr. J. Bredbury, a prominent citizen, was voted to the ®aair. and when he'rose to introduce i Mr. Holland Mr. A. Thomson, junr., moved the following motion: — “That in -view of the fact that the Murchison district was second to non e the Dominion in loyalty j to King and Country in the Great j War, and in view of the fact that I the Minister of Defence had cause ! to describe Mr. Holland as being !

throughout the war disloyal to his King, his country and the men who went to fight for freedom, now this meeting of Murchison citizens feel that though in full sympathy with the legitimate claims of Labor they cannot suffer to be addressed by the Labor representative now present and every loyal citizen is therefore urged to quietly leave the hall.” This was seconded by Dr. Warnford. An amendment was proposed that Mr. Holland be accorded a fair hearing, whereupon Mr. Holland said that Sir James Allen’s quoted statement was unfair and untruthful. Dr. Warnford remarked that Sir James Allen was not there to defend himself and walked out of the hall. He was followed by 79 others, only 22 remaining behind. The chairman then declared himself in full sympathy with the resolution and also retired. The remainder of the audience then elected another chairman and the meeting proceeded. Those who left the building joined in singing the National Anthem arid then dispersed.