Extraordinary Incidents After Religious Service.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18468, 21 May 1928, Page 9

Extraordinary Incidents After Religious Service.

WELLINGTON THEATRE PACKED TO DOORS FOR REV T. F. TAYLOR’S MEETING. (Special to the “ Star.’’) WELLINGTON, May 21. (( -yOU —the dregs of humanity—you’re a disgrace to the X clothes you stand up in. You call yourselves men, you’re nothing but animals,” shouted an excited woman last night to a large crowd outside the King’s Theatre, where remarkable scenes were witnessed.

The theatre was packed to the doors long before 7 o’clock, the hour at which the weekly service conducted by the Rev T. F. Taylor was timed to commence, and hundreds were unable to gain admittance. Some even sat on boxes in the main entrance.

Several constables and detectives were among the audience, but the service passed off quietly. During the singing of the last hymn about a dozen young men endeavoured to push their way into the, hall, but were unable to pass the door-keeper. By this time Dixon Street was thronged, while Manners Street also was lined by men and women, mostly men. Some stood on the raised border round the lawns opposite the theatre, all eyes being focussed oh the main doors. A taxi drew up outside the theatre, and the crowd, which had been augmented considerably by people from other meetings, until the street was packed, surged round the car, which, with difficulty, made its way to the side entrance. The crowd followed but as nothing happened, it returned to the front door, which was promptly closed. Even then the crowd refused to disperse. As the taxi moved off a woman called for three cheers for the Rev Mr

[Taylor, but there was little if any response. Waving her arms she shouted:— “You call yourselves men You're animals. . . Fielden Taylor fought tor you. He has gone without clothes for the poor. He has starved himself. This is your gratitude. . . The woman's voice, which could be heard above the murmuring of the crowd, attracted others, who came hurrying to the scene. When subjected to heckling, the woman replied in an even louder voice:— “Yes, I’m a ‘Homie.’ You New Zealanders would not have a home % if we did not buy vour butter. . . , You ought to be ashamed of yourself. How many of you have been inside the theatre to-night. It is your curiosity that brings you here. ...” The crowd had had enough, and gradually dispersed, although half an hour later there were still a few outside the theatre. It was an extraordinary scene.