ANTI-MILITARISTS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1824, 9 August 1913, Page 6

ANTI-MILITARISTS.

«, LIVELY MEETING AT ASHBUBTON. (By Telegraph—Frees Arooclalkm.) Ashburton, August 8. IVmr anti-militarists from Christchiirch attempted to hold what was announced as an "anti-eonscription" mooting in tho Thratro Royal to-night. The building was crowded, between 500 and GOO being present. Tho 'Mayor presided, but the audience, nearly all of whom wow palpably in favour of a Dominion defence scheme, practically refused, to hear him or tho two speakers who attempted to speak afterwards. 1

Mr. John P. P. Hotelier, "of Australia," arose to speak at 8.10, but ironical applause, cat calls, hoots,-and singing of patriotic and popular tongs continued till ho resumed his seat half an houir later, wliat remarks lw had made during that .time .havi-i® been entirely, inaudible. The-JLayor was-pOworlcfss, and tho police were inoperative on account of tho liigh good humour and unity of the audience, which included a strong bjxly of representative citizens. Appeals for a fair hearing were made by Mr. C. W. Nicoll, an ex-borough councillor, and chairman of the local branch of the Navy League, and by Mr. C. J. Harper, chairman of tho County Council. AVlien "Keg." Williams, one of the number who had detained at Ripa Island, and who had been eagerly called for by the crowd daring Mr. Fletcher's speech, rose to tho pandemonium was intensified. He desisted at 9 o'clock,"when Mr. Nicholls, from the back of the theatre, secured silence and moved .the following resolution"That thin meeting of Ashburton citizens considers that universal military training is in tho best interests of the moral, physical and national welfare of tho Dominion." This was greeted with great enthusiasm, and on a show of hands only the speakers on the platform, and from four to six at most in tho body of tho hall, voted against it. It was accordingly doclnrcd carried amidst cheers. The National Anthem was then sung, and tho meeting commenced to disperse, though only the ■presonco of the polico stopped vhat looked like developing into a nasty demonstration wh"n the speakers remained seated during tho singing of tho National Anthem. All but a comparative handful then left the theatre, and as tho doors wore closed subsequent proceedings aro not yet known. Young Williams attempted to speak to tho crowd outsido later on, but fearing trouble the polico moved Mm on, and at 10 p.m. all had dispersed.