ARREST OF A PUBLICAN.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2114, 31 December 1879, Page 2

ARREST OF A PUBLICAN.

Quite a sensation was caused in town this morning when it became known that among- those arrested for taking part in ; the Boxing-day riot was T. O’Driscoll, landlord of the Hibernian Hotel. O’Dri.scoll has hitherto borne a tolerably good if not irreproachable name as a warm-hearted though somewhat enthusiastic Irishman; Since the disturbance, however, "the Hibernian has been singled out as the premises from which a large number of the participators sallied forth to attack the processionists, and rumours have been circulated of a rather damaging nature concerning the conduct of “ the landlord and his friends.” The circumstances that led to O’Driscoll’s arrest arc narrated as follows :—yesterday afternoon O’Driscoll was sworn in, along with other special constables, to assist in preserving the peace on New Year’s Day. In the course of the evening, when the papers and other articles found in the possession of the persons arrested came to he overhauled, a letter of a significant character was found among the effects of a newly-captured Level’s Plains man. The contents were as follows. “ Timaru, Dec. 24, 1879. “ Mr Moynahan. “ Dear Sir, —I am informed on the best authority that the Omnge men arc going to march on St. Stephen’s day in Timaru, so if you will tell some of your friends to come to healp to obstruct the ruffians we Timaru people would be greatly obliged as their need not be any lighting only to stop their progress as 1 expect the are only preparing for Chiniquy. I am sending account every where I can the are going to march under the protection of the Foresters and Odfellows so Mr Harney was telling me this day. So you will see that the will march if the are not stoped that you and friends are enjoying good health and wishing you a merry christmus I remain yours truly “ Tnos. O’Drxscoll “ P.S. excuse this spelling.” The letter was placed in the hands of Commissioner Weldon, and by his instructions a warrant was issued for O’Driscoll’s arrest. The arrest was effected at midnight, O’Driscoll being taken from behind his bar and removed to the lock-up. His apprehension has excited a great deal of talk, as O’Driscoll was to have taken an active part in the Caledonian sports to-morrow.