THE ARMY TROUBLES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1434, 20 January 1885, Page 3

THE ARMY TROUBLES.

(by telegraph). Blenheim, To-day. The charge of obstruction against the Salvation Army hts been dismissed. The Court, consisting of Mr Allen, R.M., and Mr Douslin, J.P., held that the weight of evidence was against the meeting having obstructed the Market Square, and that the complainant’s remedy for the matters he personally complained of was by an indictment for being a nuisance. The Bench also considered that the Army was not to be held responsible for the crowd which collected in expectation of the Army coming into the square, and which was in square before they arrived to hold the meeting. The complainant was ordered to pay Cou't costs only. His counsel gave notice of appeal on the ground that there was evidence of l<“gal obstruction, and that the Bench was bound to convict Complainant’s witnesses estimated the crowd at from 200 to 500, but professional evidence showed the square vould hold 10,000 soldiers in close column or 4,500 in looser order. It was proved also that vehicles could drive round the crowd, and that traps were at a standstill beemsa the occupants were listening to the Army service. The information against Baker, the Secretary, for wantonly disturbing Mr Fildaa by beating the big drum was postponed till next Monday. Complainant offered to withdraw it, but the Ai my declined to accept the withdrawal, as they wish it decided as a teat question.