WANSEY ONCE MORE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1609, 14 July 1887, Page 3

WANSEY ONCE MORE.

One of the most disgraceful scenes that has ever taken place In or near Christchurch, says the "Telegraph," occurred on Wednesday evening on the East Town Belt. For some days past handbills have been freely circulated, announcing that Mr O. WaDaey, who recently held a noisy meeting in the Theatre Royal, would address the electors of Lin wood at the Oddfellows' Hall Eaat Belt, and that|admiesion wou'd be by ticket at the ccst of one shilling. Long before seven o'olock last evening, a large number of larrikins assembled in front of the hall, and by half-past seven there must have been 1600 people present, attracted no doubt by the hideous noise made, Mr Wansey turner? up at 730, but as usual, had not the where^ith-sll to satisfy the hall keeper's demands, and that person very wisely wonld not allow the hall to be used until he bad the rent In hand. Mr Wansey left, followed by a large crowd, to find a friend but oould not do so. One gentleman in the crowd volunteered to go round with tbe hat, but the money did Dot come in very freely. At length, after a lot of trouble, the required amount, £1, was subscribed, and the halt-keeper lit up the place. Two constables in plain clothes were J in attendance, and they went Into the ball to try and prevent the crowd from forcing their way in without pay. ment. At 8.20 the hall-door was slightly opened, and the orowd outside Immediately made a rush, and some twenty or so succeeded In getting Inside tho bnildlng. The constables, with the aid of some friends, managed to close the door again, and all attempts by the crowd outside proved fruitless to open It. At last some one brought a large piece of timber, and the crowd tried hard to batter the door down, and eventually succeeded in gaining an entranoe. Tha building was soon filled, and a large number remained outside. The scene Inside was one of great disorder, and a disgrace to any city, the yelling and hoot* ing being heard half-a mile off Mr Wansey made his appearance on the stage, bnt could not be heard for the noise, Someone lowered the gas, and it is a great wonder that an accident did no happen in the rush to get out of the building. 7he only damage done to the hall wai the forcing the door off its hinges. It seems a great pitty that such meetings are allowed to take place, or that the police, knowing what happened at tha last meeting, were not there in stronger force, If one or two of the ringleaders had been arrested, it would, no doubt, damp the ardour of others and put a stop to suoh disgraceful scenes bb that of tat erei-log.