AUSTRALIAN PREMIER

Grey River Argus, 12 June 1935, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN PREMIER

FREEDOM OF EDINBURGH A Protestant Society’s Hostility (Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn.) LONDON. June 10. Wild scenes occurred in Edinburgh I at Usher Hall. "hen the Protestant Action Society, fulfilled the threats to protest against the granting of the freedom of the city to Mr. Lyons the Prim a Minister of Australia, because he is a Catholic. Thousands of men and women, in the drizzling rain awaited Air. Lyons’ p:u‘y who entered by another door, where ‘.here were a few shouts of “No Popery.” When the Lord Provost handed Mr Lyons the silver casket containing the burgesses’ ticket, a man shouted: “We don’t want Papist.-’. I protest.’’ Others

joined him in a chorus of oppositions. J The organ played a cover ....... < 2 while the interrupters were seized by ushers and after a, scu ' \jected. When the Lord Provost rose again, women shouted “Down with the Papists. ’’ Others joined in, and the ushers, aided by the police, then removed a "’oman and some men, after which the ceremony was continued without interruption. The Lord Provost apologised for the unseemly conduct of a few citizens. who did not represent the solid opinion of Edinburgh people. Tie add ed that Edinburgh was proud to honour Australia’s brilliant Prime Minis

ter. When Mr. Lyons rose the crowd clapped and cheered for two minutes. One red-robed Councillor walked oft’ the platform. Mi\ Lyons said he was deeply moved by Edinburgh’s welcome. As Air. Lyons left the hall, a crowd shouted “No Popery.” mid jeered but the police cheeked the demons!rations.