MEETINGS IN CATHEDRAL SQUARE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11540, 29 March 1898, Page 4

MEETINGS IN CATHEDRAL SQUARE.

It is satisfactory to learn from the discussion which took place in the City Council last night that it was never intended by the members off that body to prohibit public meetings in Cathedral Square. The advertisement that conveyed that impression, was inserted by the Town Clerk under a misapprehension, and was emphatically disclaimed by all the speakers at last night’s meeting. It seems a pity for the sake of the Council that these gentlemen did not take an eariier opportunity to direct attention to the mistake, but perhaps no harm has been done by the protest it has provoked. It has led to a better understanding as to the rights of the public and the powers of the Council, and may have a good effect upon the promoters of meetings in the Square. Most of these gentlemen have been careful to avoid causing inconvenience either to pedestrians or to residents in the locality, but one or two have omitted this precaution. It is well that this small minority should be reminded that the right to meet in the Square does not include the right to create a public nuisance. The law is on their side so long as they conduct their proceedings with reasonable propriety, but directly they exceed that limit they become proper subjects for the attention of the police. j A _ J