ALLEGED ROWDYISM

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2326, 7 December 1914, Page 7

ALLEGED ROWDYISM

DISTURBANCE AT A NO-LICENSE MEETING SEQUEL IN POLICE COURT The lieaiing of the charge against Ernest Randall of disturbing a NoLicense meeting in the Town Hall un November 27 last, and of assaulting Police Sergeant Kelly while the latter was engaged in the execution of his duty, was opened before Mr. D. G. A. Cooler, S.M., in the Magistrate's Court on Saturday. A plea of not guilty was entered, Mr. J. J. M'Gratli appealing for accused. Inspector Hendlroy, in opening tho case for the prosecution, said that on the night in question large and unruly sections were present in different portions of the Town Hall. These had evidently gone to the meeting for other purposes than listening to the speakers. In one of these groups was, he alleged, the accused. The' Inspector said.he would call evidence to shon' that the accused was repeatedly warned, and eventually, when Sergeant Kelly attempted to remove him, he resisted and assaulted the sergeant. A Clergyman's Evidence. Hie Rev. William Binton, in charge of the Baptist Church, Brooklyn, said be was organiser for the No-License Pajty. On the night in question, as soon as the Mayor ross the interruptions commonced. These were almost continuous throughout the whole evening. The main interruption commenced when a man, whom he understood was Mr. Armstrong, stood up, waved his cheque book, and . cried "Come on, boys I" This was just before the collection was taken up. From that onwards the speakers only goi a word in odgeways, what with hissing, "count-mg-out," humming, stamping, and the singing of'"lt'6 a Long Way to Tipperary," etc. Oswald Chettle Mazengarb 6aid he was a member of the No-License League, and was one of the speakers at the meeting in question. Witness had been deputed by a sub-committee to look aftor the arrangements for keeping order. He had approached the Police Inspector prior to the meeting with the _reqnest that sufficient police should be in attendance at the meeting, and also to, inform him that he had been authorised to give him the necessary power to eject disturbers. At the meeting witness had seen defendant taking a prominent part in disturbing the meeting. The general demeanour of accused appeared to be particularly mean and offensive. The disturbance among the crowd appeared to be particularly violent when members of the Moderate League arose to. speak. There appeared to be, he alleged, somo sort of signal between the executive of the Moderate Party and the rowdies. Just before the collection one of tho Moderates waved liis cheque book and cried "Come on boys. Remember boys the Belgians!" Witness would not swear that these were tho exact words. At this 6tage the case was adjourned till- Monday week.