FIGHT IN A SCOTCH KIRK.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7965, 16 February 1906, Page 7

FIGHT IN A SCOTCH KIRK.

+ STICKS AND UMBRELLAS FREELY USED. ' At the Lattaerou Free Kirk on a recent Sunday, says the Daily News, a disgraceful disturbauee occurred. The district is au outlying oue in Caithness, and the intelligence has taken some time to reach Edinburgh. It appears that the church is in possession of the Wee Frees, and that recently a dispute arose as to retaining the services of the minister, the Rev. Mr Strathearn. The leaders of the church desired to dispense with the minister's services. On Suuday the oharch was olosed, and parties of the church officials guarded the doors. Bj a little manoeuvring, Mr Strathearn succeeded in getting into tne church, and went towards the pulpit. He was, however caught by two members of the congregation, who forcibly endeavoured to keep him back. The sympathisers of the rev. gentlemuu thereupon began to protest vigorously, and a regular melee ensued. Lamps were extinguished, and the Strathearn party ultimately forcibly ejected. During the scuffle women fainted and a uumber of those engaged were injured. ''The riot lasted for some time, and the noise of the disturbance could be heard a considerable distance away. Mr Strathearn, having eventually gained the pulpit, read out a psalm and begun singing, whereupon the opposition left the church, locking- , the door ana leaving the rev. gentleman inside. They proceeded to the hall to bold a service. Mr Strathearn escaped from the church and went to the hall door, but wae refused admittance. Eventually the other party came out, and a general tight took place, sticks and umbrellas feeing freely used.