RIOT AT BUCK-JUMPING CONTEST.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9476, 27 March 1911, Page 5

RIOT AT BUCK-JUMPING CONTEST.

CROWD TAKES CHARGE.

POLICE AND OFFICIALS POWER

NUMBER OF CASUALTIES RECORDED,

(By Electric Telegraph-Copyright.) iPer Press Association.)

SYDNEY, March 27.

A disgraceful riot occurred on the Agricultural Society's ground. An enormous crowd gathered to witness a buck jumping contest. Failing to secure accommodation elsewhere hundreds attempted to tush the grandstand, which is in course of erection. Those in charge tried to stop the rush, and a general fight took place, timber from the stand and stones being used freely. Several were badly injured. A strong force of police was requisitioned, and finally restored order. Further details show that the exhibition drew' a crowd estimated at 78,000 people. The whole 6pacc around tho ring, and even tho roofs, were densely packed. As soon as the exhibition started hundreds of men and boys broko the barriers and rushed tho enclosure, eliouting and howling. They then commenced chasing the horses and cattle used in connection with the show, adding to the uproar and confusion. Only two police were present when those in charge of the unfinished stand attempted to prevent tho entrance of the crowd. The mob arrived with pieces of timber and 6tones and chased away tho defenders, and took possession of the stand. The disturbance was in progress for an hour before tho reinforced police were able to clear the ground. Two youths and a man received injuries necessitating hospital treatment, and a. number of others received minor injuries. Damage was done to the stand and other property.