Nelson Again Deals With The Antis

Chronicle (Levin), 23 July 1949, Page 2

Nelson Again Deals With The Antis

Press Assoeiation j

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NELSON, July 22. Members of tlie Christian Pacifist organisation wlio conducted an openair meeting at the foot of the ehurch steps this evening were taken into protoetivo custody by the poliee when a section of a large crowd of severai tliousand closed in on them and usiug the tacties of packing in tightly forced the speaker and other members of the party away along the street. Several policemen who were nearcst the paciiists when the crowd closed in were also swept along by the crowd as it surged towards Chureh Street, about 40 yards away. As the police escorted the iirst two from the paciiist party to the police station tliey were followed by a proccssion of about 200 people. Other speakers who attempted to address the crowd were also mobbed and forced away from the scene. The police took six into protectivc custody. During the first half-hour the speakers could not be heard above the- noise of the crowd and the sounding of horns on ears driven slowly to and fro along the road in fron't of the meeting. Wkrtime songs were sung to drown the speakers' voices. It was a goodhumoured crowd, but the tactics adopted effectively broke up the meeting. Must be Realists. People must be realists and not wishful tliinkers who noped the position was better than it really was, said Mr. S. G. Holland, Leader of the Opposition, when lie addressed an audience which overflowed the Theatre Eoyal, Nelson, this evening. The menace facing the world was very real, but it would steadily recede as the democracies showed their willingness, determination and ability to defend themselves. Alr. Holland was supported by four local speakers, three representing ex-servicemen 's organisatious and Mr. E. R. Neale, M.P. All made the point that military training would save many lives in New Zealaud beeame involved in another war.