LIVELY SCENES

Southland Times, Issue 25309, 12 June 1935, Page 7

LIVELY SCENES

CITY OF EDINBURGH FREEDOM TO MR LYONS OPPOSED UNSEEMLY CONDUCT (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) London, June 10. Wild scenes occurred in Edinburgh at Usher Hall when the Protestant Action Society fulfilled its threats to protest against the granting of the freedom of the city to the Rt. Hon. J. A. Lyons, the Australian Prime Minister. Thousands of men and women in the drizzling rain awaited Mr Lyons and his party, which entered by afiother door where there were a few shouts of “No poverty.” When the Lord Provost handed Mr Lyons a silver casket containing the burgesses’ ticket a man shouted, “Down with Papists.” Others joined him in a chorus of opposition. The organ was played to cover the noise, while the 1 interrupters were seized by ushers 'and after a scuffle ejected. When the Lord Provost rose again some women shouted, “Down with Papists.” Others joined in and ushers, aided by the police, then removed a woman and some men, after which the ceremony was continued without interruption. , . i ± xl. The Lord Provost apologized for the unseemly conduct of a few citizens who did not represent the solid opinion of Edinburgh people. He added that Edinburgh was proud to honour Australia s brilliant Prime Minister. When Mr Lyons rose the crowd clapped and cheered for two minutes, while one red-robed councillor walked off the platform. Mr Lyons said he was deeply moved by Edinburgh’s welcome. As Mr Lyons left the hall the crowd shouted “No poverty,” but the police checked the demonstrators.