An Alarm of Fire.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 46, 27 September 1887, Page 3

An Alarm of Fire.

Thk alarm of fire which took place during Mr McDonald’s meeting on Saturday night has a very, serious aspect. Much political capital was a*tempted to be made out of the affair by the supporters of either side, but the bitter fight is all over, and a more dispassionate view can now be taken. It ie positively certain that if the thing was a me, neither Mr Graham, Mr McDonald, nor Mr Gannon knew anything of the intention, and the strictures of the Mayor would have been too mild) but the ringing of the bell might be accounted for in this way. Some one seeing the scrub burning on the Waikanae had foolishly rang the bell, and then being ashamed of his silly action, had thought it better to remain reticent. In the other case, the action was most despicable, and all parties will agree that the perpetrator is deserving of severe punishment. The outcome of the alarm showed how easy it is to start a panic in a theatre. Half of those in the hall seemed to go mad with excitement immediately they heard the bell, and the conduct of the ladies in the gallery was a much better example than was set by many of the men below. No doubt the ladies were very frightened, and the nervous shock sustained by some will affect them for a few days, but considering the circumstances it is surprising that the result was not more serious. A lady was knocked down outside by some precipitate fellow and several others were slightly hurt,