WRECKING A MEETING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2046, 25 October 1919, Page 3

WRECKING A MEETING.

DISORDERLY PROCEEDINGS AT

GREYMOUTH.

Information has been received through the medium of a gentleman just returned from* the West Coast, says the Palmerston Times, of disorderly proceedings ‘ in' Greymouth on Monday evening, when the Methodist School Hall was seriously damaged and a number of persons injured as the result of an attack with stones and other missiles by a hostile crowd in the street. A meeting of members of the Protestant Political Association was being held in the hall, among those present being the Rev. Howard Elliott, general secretary of the association. Volleys of stones came from an angry mob inspired apparently by several women. Windows were smashed, and, it is stated, five people struck with stones or falling glass. Among the injured was Mr Wilkinson, secretary of the local branch of the R.S.A., who was cut about the face. Another official had his head badly split.open, and another was severely bruised on the head. One was struck insensible. Two ladies suffered injuries, a school teacher and an elderly lady. After receiving attention, the injured were removed to their homes. The police, according to the report reseived, were unable to cope with the situation, and at the termination of the meeting a hue and cry began for those who had taken a leading part in it. A forcible entrance was made into the house of the caretaker, our informant states, and the occupants were intimidated. Attacks were made, it is alleged, on the private residences of several citizens until early in the morning. The damage to the hall is estimated at £SO.