DISGRACEFUL SCENE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 20, 23 December 1930, Page 6

DISGRACEFUL SCENE.

SETTLERS ENGAGE IN FREE FIGHT. OPENING OF AUCKLAND DISTRICT SCHOOL. (By Telegraph—Special to Standard ) AUCKLAND, Dec. 23. Following a social gathering on the occasion of the opening of the new Honikiwi school, near Otorohanga. and in the presence of the school children and parents, a disgraceful free r.ghtook place among the settlers of the district. It appears that a settler asked the chairman whether the new school could be used for dances, and not receiving what he considered to bo a satisfactory reply he asked further questions. This led to a member o'. the school committee interjecting ‘‘Shut up I” and brought a retort ire;.' the first speaker that he would knee.; Ins “block off.” Both men rose to make for each other and the clm’.rman tried to part them. In so don - a settler was struck on the jaw. The chairman was also struck iu the ensuing melee, and then other members °f the school committee joined • : while women shrieked and some ei them fainted. Apparently deep-seated aninn*;:.' C ?. me surface, and suggest:"' about marked sheep only served infuriate some of the men concert.'. Inere were no intoxicants at the gartering. Honikiwi is ten miles from Oterehanga, m isolated back cou.'U-': ■ the day Mr W. J. Bro; toot, M.P., and Mrs Broadfoot. formally opened the new school. Ti early hour for Otewa the school" the^ lnß ' UP ceremon;es '