TURBULENT MR THOMSON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18871, 25 May 1923, Page 8

TURBULENT MR THOMSON

DISTURBS PATRIOTIC MEETING. AN UNSYMPATHETIC RECEPTION. Towards the end of the patriotic demonstration held under the auspices of the Overseas Club in the Burns Hall last night the proceedings became very lively for a few minutes. The Hon. C. E. Statham, M.P., had ‘ proposed a motion affirming anew unquestioned loyalty to the King, and this had been seconded by Mr J. W. Munro, M.P., the remarks of both speakers being quite in harmony with the nature of the gather.ng. These present were then somewhat surprised when they heard a voice from the left-hand corner of the gallery nearest the stage. The speaker proved to be Mr G. S. Thomson, who informed the chairman that he had an amendment which he wished to move. Mr Thomson was quickly interrupted by a large section of the audience, but he was not daunted in any way, and he proceeded to state that he would read his amendment—“ That the workers of Dunedin should not be loyal to any class other than ” At this' stage the chairman (Mr Tapley) took a hand in the proceedings amidst great uproar and informed Mr Thomson that this was a meeting of loyal citizens—a statement that was received with cheers. Mr Thomson made an effort to continue reading his amendment, but he. had to desist, as the uproar rendered it impossible tor him to 'make his voice heard. “Will you kindly allow me to say?” he remarked after quietness had been restored. But he got no further, as the audience immediately made such a noise that speech was out of the question. Mr Thomson took advantage of a lull to remark that he was a Communist, and he also stated that Mr Munro would regret that he had appeared on the platform at that meeting. This was followed by cries of Sit down and further uproar. At tins stage a member of the audience left 3ns seat and disappeared through (he door, appearing in the gallery a few seconds later. He promptly proceeded to deal with Mr Thomson, who remarked: “This is a sample of British justice,” and “Who is the Bolshevist?” The man caught hold ot Mr Thomson’s arm, evidently with the intention of removing him from the gallery. Mr Thomson resented this, and said: I am not going to be commanded by you or any dog like you.” • The proceedings were brought to a conclusion by the chairman rising and saying: “We will' now sing a verse of the National Anthem.” . Mr Thomson then resumed his seat alter throwing his amendment away, tho pieeo of paper fluttering down near the orchestra.