THE LISMORE RIOTS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XIII, Issue 4738, 11 December 1886, Page 2

THE LISMORE RIOTS.

+ POLICE COURT PROCEEDINGS. Lismorb, Dec. 2. The case connected with the late riot over Edith O'Gorraan, in which 40 persons were summoned, 16 of whom are Protestants, came on for hearing to-day before a full Bench. Mr Allingham appeared for the 10 Protestants. The case was adjourned until 8.30 to-morrow, to allow Mr Norria, solicitor, to attend. Among the Protestant party are Mr Balmer, editor of the Chronicle, a magistrate, Alderman Wotherspoon, and others in a respectable position. Defendants were bound over in £50 each to appear. Considerable surprise was expressed by all classes at the presence of Alderman Barrie and Bernstein on the bench, considering they were the originators of the vote of censure on the action of the police magistrate for his action in swearing in special constables on the day ul Miss O'Gorman's lecture. Religious feeling runs high, and a Royal Commission will be applied for to try the cases, as no confidence is placed in the bench. An miti r - tory meeting will be held to make this &\. - plication to the Government, and also to insist on certain police changes. It was decided in a meeting this evening to await the decision of the magistrate in the riot cases before applying for a Royal Commission to inquire into the matter. Nevertheless the Protestants have declared themselves dissatisfied with the action of the Bench, and mean to carry the matter farther. From all parts of the district sympathy is expressed with Mr Balmer, editor of the Chronicle, and tangible proofs of respect for himself and his family will be given at an early date.