FRANTIC SCENES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 238, 8 October 1928, Page 7

FRANTIC SCENES.

ALBERT HALL MOB.

Stampede To Hear American

Woman Preaclter.

AIMEE MCPHERSON'S CAMPAIGN

(Australian and N.Z. Press Association.)

(Received 12.30 p.m.)

LONDON, October 7.

Dense queues of men and women encircled the Albert Hall hours before the time of the opening of the first service in the mission being conducted by Mrs. Aimee McPherson, of America, the Four Square Gospel disciple.

Scores of police had to be commandeered to control the motor cars brought by the fashionable and bejewelled women. There was a frantic stampede when the doors opened and a grave danger of panic.

Elderly people and people on crutches were jammed against the building. The police had to forcer way through the throng to effect rescues. .

There were remarkable scenes inside where people were rushing, racing and pushing down the long corridors. There was such a scramble for seats that in ten minutes more than 10,000 were inside, while thousands were endeavouring to enter. The officials declare that the experience is unprecedented at Albert Hall.

Aimee McPherson made a dramatic entry on the flower-decked stage supported on the arms of two followers. She wore a white silk dress with a black cloak. Her address was varyingly humorous, appealing, pathetic and tragic, interspersed with gestures and anecI dotes.

There was considerable enthusiasm, groans and amens, and hundreds were in tears. It was announced that for the first time in her career for her subject for to-morrow Mrs. McPherson will be guided by the newspapers.