BRUISES PACIFISTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 October 1917, Page 4

BRUISES PACIFISTS.

MAORI WAR-CRY IN OLDHAM STREETS. London, Aug 7. The pale blood of Pacifists was shed in Oldham last night. True, the blood which flowed was not much, blue bruises being more in evidence than wounds. For hours the streets echoed with voices raised in “ battle,” and above the din could be lieaid the blood-curdling Maori war-cry of New Zealand soldiers. And all this strife marked the opening of a “Week’s Peace Mission ” in the town. One shudders at the thought of what will happen before the mission ” ends, that is if the other nightly meetings ‘arranged are persisted in. But it is highly probable that after last night’s taste of public resentment the evangelists of the gospel of peace, to save their own skins, will not pi'oceed further with their “ mission.” The Pacifists were preparing !o open their meeting in a apace off Henshaw-street, when the Chief Constable informed them that they must move to the space further down, the usual place for public meetings, but at the same time strongly advised them to abandon the meeting, as there was a fear of serious disturbance.

BIVOUAC EUSEWHKRI

The Pacifists accordingly folded their portable platform and prepared to move. This was the signal for ironical cheering, and a huge crowd followed the small band of pallid leaders. Fearing trouble, the police endeavoured to form a body guard tor one or two of the most prominent individuals, but, despite great, efforts, were unable to shield all from a handling. Four sympathisers, including Mr Wilfred Hill, local secretary of the T.L P., were severely handled by soldiers and civilians before the police managed to get them to the Town JIalJ. Here they remained for some hours till the streets were again comparatively qniet. The four taken care of by the police were not the only ones to receive the attentions of the crowd Several others were jostled, and many, hats and caps were kicked about the streets.

Later at night a party of soldiers raided the I.L.P. rooms in Union Street. The door was broken open, and cards, literature, bottles, curtains, and other v things were thrown into the street. SOUDICKS INCENSED. The rooms are a portion of a block of buildings used for various purposes, including offices of the Union of General Workers, of which Mr J. K. Clynes, M.P., is secretary, lrafc the soldiers strictly confined themselves to the contents of the I.L.P.' rooms, and did no damage to the building itself. No arrests were made during the night, the police being fully occupied in saving the Pacifists from the angry crowds. Mr R. C. Wallhead, Parliamentary candidate for Coventry, is advertised as the speaker at to-night’s meeting at Park Square ; but we understand that the organisers late last night decided to abandon the “ mission.”