A FURIOUS CROWD.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 44, 22 September 1887, Page 2

A FURIOUS CROWD.

Fighting, stoning, and arson. London; September 21, It having been announced for some time past that Hutchens, the sprinter, who was out in the colonies a few months beck, and took part in the big Sydney athletic carnival, would contest a race with Gent, another English sprinter, a crowd of about 1200 assembled at the place appointed, some little distance out of London, to witness the event. Both had many warm supporters, atd an exciting race was expected. But when the time for the race arrived, three o’clock, there yjis no prospect of a commencement, and the crowd became very impatient. Reports got afloat that there was something shady in the transaction, and one oi Hutchen's supporters said it was a d—— swindle, when a local man squared up to him. A free fight began, and some one shouting that the peds were in the dressing-room under the grandstand, a rush was made, the place being stormed with stones and every kind of missile. The bar wa. looted, and the place was set fire to by some drunken fellows and the ground fixings were ferociously pulled up. A couple of policemen were present; but were in danger ot their lives until they managed to get a strong body if reinforcements. At the sight of the police the majority of the mob desisted, but then was considerable trouble before the riot was quelled, Several arrests were made, and about a dozen men were more or less injured in the affray. There were a few ladie: present, but they retired as soon as they became aware of the situation.