ANTI MILITARIST DEMONSTRATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3101, 20 August 1913, Page 6

ANTI MILITARIST DEMONSTRATION.

A GRAND FIASCO. ASHBURTON. August 8

Four anti-militarists from Christchurch attempted to hold what was announced us an anti-conscription meeting in the Theatre Royal to-night. The building was crowded, between 500 and 600 persons being present. The Mayor presided, * but the audience, nearly all of whom were palpably in favour of the dominion defence scheme, practically refused to hear him or the two speakers who attempted to speak afterwards.

Mr John I'. F. Fletcher, “of Australia,’’ arose to speak at 10 minutes past 8, but ironical applause, cat-calls, hoots, and the singing of patriotic and popular songs continued till he resumed his seat half an hour later, what remarks he had made during that time having been entirely inaudible. The Mayor was powerless, and the police inoperative on account of the high good humour and unity of the audience, which included a strong body of representative citizens. Appeals for a fair hearing made by Mr C. W. Nico!'. an ex-borough coun cillor, the chairman of the local branch of the Navy League, and by Mr C. J. Harper, chairman of the Country Council, wore also unsuccessful, and when Rot. Williams, one of the number who had been detained at R!pa Island, and who had been eagerly called for by the crowd during Mr Fletcher’s speech, rose to speak the pandemonium was intensified, lie desisted at 9 o’clock, when Mr N'icoil. from the back of the theatre, secured silence, and moved: “That this meeting of Ashburton citizens considers that universal military training is in the best interests of the moral, physical, and national welfare of the dominion.” This was greeted with great, enthusiasm, and on a show of hands being taken only the speakers on the platform and from four to six at most in the body of the hall voted against it. The motion was accordingly declared carried amidst cheers. The National Anthem was then sung, and the meeting commenced to disperse, though only the presence of the police stopped what looked like developing into a nasty demonstration, when the speakers remained seated during the singing of the National Anthem. All but a comparative handful then left the theatre, and as the doors were closed the subsequent proceeding's are not yet known. Young Williams attempted to speak to the crowd outside later, but fearing trouble the police waved him on, and at 10 p.m. the whole crowd had dispersed.