A DISGRACEFUL SCENE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 127, 15 February 1918, Page 5

A DISGRACEFUL SCENE

FOLLOWING A ROWDY MEETING TWO.CLERGYMEN BRUTALLY ASSAULTED ONE KNOCKED INSENSIBLE. (B.v TelegraDli—SDeoial Correspondent.) Feilding, February 14. Tho most exciting mid rowdiest public meeting in Feilding's experience was that of the Rev. Howard Elliott's address in tbo crowded Drill Hall last night, and which resulted in tho unanimous formation of a branch of the Protestant Political Association.

j Tho meeting was followed by a 'scnisational and disgraceful fracas in the stroet, in which two local clergymen, llev. Thomas Miller (Presbyterian) and Hev. I'. 11. Stock well (Methodist) were tho victims of brutal assaults.

Anticipating trouble for Mr. Elliott after the meeting, ho was taken out safely by tho_ back way, and to fresh lodgiugs, as his first place of abode was not considered safe.

Mr. Sfcockwell (who had been chairman of the meeting) and Mr. Miller (who supported him 011 the platform) with other members of tho Ministers' Association went out into the street with the crowd. Whilst they walked in lighted places they were unmolested, but immediately they turned into Kimbolton Road they walked into a dark space. With a rush and a yell a dozen men rushed npon the two clergymen. Mr. Miller, who had just stepped on to tho road received a blow on the side of the jaw and was. knocked off his feet, and was severely kicked ■on the hip whilst lying on the ground. He was feeling lame and sore from the kick to-day, but was otherwise feeling all righs.

Mr. Stockwell lvas surrounded, and it seemed to Jiim as if every one cf tlio men attempted to get in a blow, lie was bruised all over his- face. He was hitting out in self-defence when one of his assailants got in a knockout blow. When he recovered consciousness he was lying in the gutter. He felt stiff and sore to-day, and doubts whether he w)ll look presentable enough for a public appearance for several days. Tho attack was done so suddenly that it was over and tho assailants were away before the crowd could take any action- in it. The victims were taken home in motor-cars. It is surmised that Mr. Stockwell, who is much of the build of organiser of the P.P.A., was assaulted in mistake for the ller. Howard Elliott. The police are investigating the matbut as neither clergymen could distinguish any of the assailants in tho darkness nothing is expected in the way of punishment for the roughs. B? Telegraph—Preaa Association. Feildlng, February 14. Tho Rev. Howard Elliott held a meet, ing here last night, when a branch of the Protestant Political League was formed, and though admission was by ticket only a number of opponents were present and made interjections. They were removed by the police. After the meeting tho Ptcv. G. Stockwell (chairman) was assaulted while returning home. Ho was considerably bruised, but not seriously hurt.