A ROWDY MEETING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1524, 4 August 1905, Page 2

A ROWDY MEETING.

NEW LIBERALS GET A BAD TIME

VAIN ATTEMPTS TO SPEAK.

(Per Press ’Association. l )

Dunedin, last nigh!

The meeting called to-night by Messrs 1 Bedford, Laurenson, Taylor, and Fisher I was the rowdiest ever held in Dunedin. _ 1 By 7 o’clock people were finding their way to the Garrison Hall, which soon became crowded, and the doors.had to be I shut on hundreds outside. I Just on 8 o’clock the large folding doors were forced open, but the hall was so foil 1 that not many more eould get in ; but with the doors open those outside could gst en idea of what was going on inside. Councillor Brimsley took the chair, and it became early evident that there was a section of the audience who had determined the speakers should not bo heard. Mr Laurenson was tho fijrst to attempt 'to speak, but was not allowed to be heard. Mr Bedford followed, but he got. an even I worse reception. He had to keep the meeting going until the arrival of the north express with the two other members, and he did so with the utmost sang froid. Ho recited bits of Shakespeare ; and ; the “ Bridge of Sighs.” About 9.15 Messrs Taylor and Fisher arrived, and a tremendous followed. Mr Taylor was partially heard until he began to refer to the voucher, after which his remarks were drowned by shouting, the singing of choruses, and otber hideous noises.

Mr Fisher fared no better, and a little before 11 the most disgraceful meeting ever held in Dunedin was' adjourned till to morrow evening, when a charge will be made, and the surplus go to the hospital funds. ' -