MILITARY RIOT AT WELLINGTON.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Volume I, Issue 26, 29 July 1863, Page 6

MILITARY RIOT AT WELLINGTON.

On Saturday, the 4th inst., a disturbance took place in Manners-street between some soldiers and civilians, all more or less intoxicated. During the fracas Corporal Wilson was most brutally maltreated; he was struck on the side of the head with a paling, with sufficient force to cut a piece off his ear. He also received other injuries about the head and body. It is supposed in order to avenge the injuries inflicted on their comrade the present uproar was effected. On Monday last, between six and seven o'clock p.m., about fifty soldiers mustered in Mannersstreet, armed with 6tones and bludgeons of all sizes and descriptions. Their preparations being completed, they commenced operations by breaking a few windows in the Coach and Horses, shouting and blaspheming in a most fearful manner. They now rushed madly onward, breaking windows and sashes in the Ship Hotel, Bannatyne's Store, the Advertiser Office, Canton Tea Mart, the Independent Office, Mr. Anderson's, continuing their work of destruction to the Alma Coffee-house in which latter place they did not leave a whole pane of glass. They turned at this point, and came back in much the same style as they went; but in the mean time all who had shutters had put them up —this alone preventing a general smash. Coming up Lamb-ton-quay at the double-quick, they again got into Manners-street, when particular attention was paid the second time to the Coach and Horses, and having hammered away until there was nothing left to smash, they went over to the New-Zealander, where they continued their work of demolition with renewed fury. It was here the pickets began to arrive, commanded by officers; and the rioters, thinking no doubt discretion the better part of valor, beat a hasty retreat ! Pickets had previously arrived, but instead of 'resisting the rioters, many assisted, while others encouraged them. The police were warned by some of the military that a riot would take place in the evening, and advised ! to keep out of the way, as they did not wish to interfere with them. Major Dwyer and Adjutant Willis were duly informed of this I fact, and promised to prevent it; what steps they did take, if any, I have not been able to ascertain. Discipline in the portion of the 14th stationed here appears to be at a discount, and if the inhabitants of this city are to I live peaceably with the millitary, stern necessity will compel the removal of Major Dwyer from the command. One of the above offenders has been committed to take his trial at the next session of the Supreme Court. —Evening Star.