DISGRACEFUL SCENE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LIII, Issue LIII, 7 April 1908, Page 2

DISGRACEFUL SCENE.

TWO GIRLS MOBBED IN SYDNEY PARK. A disgraceful outbreak of hoodlumism occurred in Hyde Park, Sydney, recently, and in consequence of the inadequate police protection it was only with the greatest difficulty that the officers on duty were able to, put it down. When the band is playing, that section of the park in the vicinity of bhe bandstand is usually crowded with several thousands of people, but previously there had not been a demonstration of any sort. Everything went along quietly until about 8.45, when two young women, rather gaudily attired, attracted the attention of the assemblage. With bright pearl buttons round their hat bands and on almost every section of their clothing that they could be placed they made their way along one of the footpaths, and at first were subjected only to the jibes of the people. But the rowdy element was pr.esent, and immediately- some of the more noisy ones noticed them a cry was set up. At the outset the girls seemed to enjoy the attention they were attracting, but in a few seconds they were surrounded by a large crowd, through which they made a passage with difficulty. They were subjected to almost every description of indignity imaginable, and attempts at indecency were frequent. The young women, however, escaped to another of the pathways, but they were followed by a surging mass of humanity, some anxious to secure a glance at the two girls, others anxious, to indulge in horseplay. The pair were surrounded by the crowd, and_ once again they were made the subjects of minor acts of violence.

At this, stage the police took a hand in the proceedings, and attempted to clear the crowd. But they met with considerable difficulty, and it was some few seconds before 'they made a passage through the people and got to the rescue of the girls. . The officers then dispersed the crowd and conducted th« girls ( o.ut of danger. /., . ■