RUSSIAN WORSHIPPERS DEFEND CHURCH

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 73, 30 July 1929, Page 5

RUSSIAN WORSHIPPERS DEFEND CHURCH

OFFICIALS BEATEN OFF. LOCAL POLICE ItOUTED. RIGA, July 28. After three days of battle the O.G.P.U. (Russian secret police) arrested the orthodox priest Koleroff and 17 believers at Kimry, 80 miles from Moscow. The Soviet had decreed a closure of the church in order to convert the building int 0 a leather-work-ers' club, but Avhen officials appeared in order to carry out the formal confiscation they found the doors barred and locked by 30 locks. They attempted to force the doors but believers armed with stocks beat them off. According to an official Soviet account a crowd of 2000 gathered round the church and routed the local police. The chairman of the local Soviet appeared with a bo'dyguard of Soviet officers but they were all captured and throned. Police reinforcements drafted in met a similar fate. Further drafts came in until resistance was overcome, but it days to do it. ii^Mjßfc^^^^i.M v ~~ The following referees have been appointed for the Senior Ifugby matches to be played on Saturday next :■ —■ Okato v. Old Boys at Okato, Mr. M. Clark, Ingle wood v. Stratford at Stratford, Sir. G. Hooker. Tukapa v. Clifton at New Plymouth Mr. F. Eggleton. Star v. Celtic at New Plymouth, Mr. H. Frost. Opunake v. Hawera at Hawera, Mr. F. Atkins. Patea v. Athletic at Patea, ' Mr. A. Murphy. Waim&te v. Kaponga at Manaia Mr. G. Hurley. Okaiaiwa v. Eltham, at Okaiawa, Mr. A. Spratt. JUNIOR FOOTBALL. The Central Division first junior Rugby competition will be finalised ow Thursday when Toko and Tnglewood will meet. The match will be played at Victoria Park and it is expected to be a good one, as both clubs will be sure to field their best teams. Mr. A. O'Sullivan will referee the game, which will commence at 2.45 p.m.