A ROWDY MEETING

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1613, 19 July 1887, Page 2

A ROWDY MEETING

A SPEAKER REFUSED A HEARING. Ohristchdroh, Jnly 18. Mr Bruce, M.H.R. for Bangitikei, at* tempted to deliver a political address m tha Tuam Street Hall to-night, under the auspices of the Political Reform Association. About 2000 persons were present. Mr Peter Cunningham, Chairman of the Association, took the chair. On doing so, he was greeted with groans and uproar, and failed to get a hearing. A man m the body of the Hall moved that the Mayor, who was present, take the _ chair. After some considerable hooting and oheerirg, Mr Cunningham vacatedthe chair. . The Mayor was unwilling to take it, and put the question to the meeting. About two-thirds of those present voted for it, the uproar still continuing. Mr Bruce Game forward. and endeavored to get a hearing but could not. Loud cries wore raised for Mr Holmes who, with Mr W. P. Reeves, the Chairman cf the Electors Association, cams to the front and spoke to Mr Cunningham, offering, it is stated to prooure a hearing for Mr Bruce. Mr Cunningham would not permit them to speak, and shortly afterwards left the platform. Most of his supporters followed his example, and the 1 audience, after standing about for several minutes, slowly dispersed, as the lights m the hall were extinguished before they went. Mr Hohnes spoke, saying that had Mr Cunningham allowed him he would have gained Mr Bruce a hear* ing, a statement whioh was received with loud cheers.