Mr Hutchison at Hunterville.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7226, 29 September 1890, Page 2

Mr Hutchison at Hunterville.

A CROWDED MEETING— LIVELY SCENES.

The largest meeling yet held in Huuterville assembled in the Argyle Hall on Saturday night. Upwards of 350 were present. Besides almost every resident of Hunterville there were settlers from Mangahoe. Otiri, Pukeora, Rata, Fern Flats, and other parts of the Paraekaretu district. Mr Floyd occupied the chair. Mr Hutchison's address occupied about an hour. It was listened to with the utmost attention, and was frequently applauded.

For another hour questions were put and answered. The greater number of questions were " cut-and-dried " by tho Bruce Committee, and put in the hands of members who wore not always aware of the surroundings of the subjects or of the meaning of the questions themsolves. As an instance, a local celebrity — Jerry Hurley — asked, " Are you aware that when Major Atkinson and Mr Ballance put their heads together to advance money to the New Plymouth Harbour Board, it was on condition that Major Atkinson would snag tho Wangunui Biver ?" The rich confusion of ideas involved in such a question, could only be exceeded by Jerry's assurance in demanding " a straight answer to a straight question."

A vote of " thanks and confidence " wa3 proposed by Mr C. R. S. McDonnell, and seconded by Mr J. Johnston. A vote of " thanks only " was proposed by Mr Hind, and seconded by Mr Simpson.

On a show of hands being called for, the resolution of thanks and confidence was carried by a large majority. Mr Hutohison was proceeding to return thanks when some of Mr Bruoo's committee, who had been gradually working their way to the front of the Hall, made a rush for the platform and mounting the table called for the supporters of Mr Bruce to come on the platform. This was immediately responded to. Amongst others who made their way up was tho local JP. It was evidently a pre-arranged demonstration, but it servea only to show the wxuknoss of the Bruce party. The platform was quite large enough to hold them ail. Between 40 and 50 woro there shrieking and yolling and howling. Over 200 roinaiuod. in the body of the Hall, and demonstrated on tho other side. For sorao minutes there was the utmost confusion. It at ono time seemed lisely that those in tho body of the Hall would tear the others from the platform and throw them into the rood, but more peaceful oounsels prevailed, and MrHutchison's supporters contented thomselves with vigourously cheering their candidates and quietly dispersing.

As a display of rowdyism — all the worse from being arrangod beforehand — tho action of Mr Bruoe's followors disgusted many who were not already plodged cither way.