HOSTILE GATHERING

Hokitika Guardian, 16 March 1927, Page 1

HOSTILE GATHERING

STREET SERVICE BROKEN UP. TEMUKA, March 14. Following a happening a week ago a good ileal of feeling lais been slowly developing amongst a large section of the eonununity antagonistic to the Pentecostal .sect. This came to a head on Saturday evening, when six members of the sect assembled for their open-air meeting in the main street. Their appearance was the signal for the gathering of a huge crowd, and many pointed remarks were levelled at the little hand. The heckling continued, and some of the ladies in the ring displayed nervousness. The interjections soon gave place to bootings and cat-calls, and the speakers found it impossible to make any address. The leader, Mr F. It. Wilson, made several attempts, hut each time he began, be was counted out. By this time the feeling was running high, it ltd the sarcastic remarks of the crowd began to give place to fireworks thrown into the ring. The police showed tact in handling the crowd, which threatened to get out of hand, and Se.rgcant Divan advised the leader of the sect to forgo the meeting. For a time, however, they resolved to hold on, and commenced singing, and meanwhile the main street became a surging mass of people. Eggs and tomatoes and other missiles flew from almost every quarter, one of the women receiving an egg in the face, almost breaking her glasses. Another egg hit one of the men, slightly cutting his face. Again mo police approached the leader, and unwillingly he began to pack up the folding organ. A packet of crackers hurst among the Pentecostal band, and as they departed amidst a fusilade of stale eggs, tomatoes and over-ripe bananas, a section of the crowd hilariously hurst into singing, “ Show me the way to go home.” At one time the crowd looked very ugly, and but for

he careful handling of the police more serious trouble might easily have developed. By the firm stand taken by

ic constables outside the theatre, the •owd was slowly dispersed. Another hostile demonstration took ace on Sunday evening, when memms of the sect endeavoured to hold 1 opeu-air meeting. There were about dozen womenfolk and men in the

•ing, and a large crowd was again soon assembled. As on the previous evening, lie party was .subjected to a bombardnent of stale eggs and fruit, but the service was carried through to its coll-

usion. The party then adjourned to

the Oddfellow’s Hall, where they usually hold their meetings. The trustees' of the hall were diffident about allowing them the use of the building on account of possible damage, but the services were proceeded with. About 500 people were outside the hall, and a number entered the building. Almost at once eggs began to be thrown at the party, some of the members being hit, while outside the noise was for a lime almost deafening. Stones rained on the roof, and one of the windows was broken. This continued intermittently until about 9.30. when the service concluded. The appearance of some of the members caused a little excitement, but they were allowed to proceed home unmolested.

It was evident that the crowd wanted the leader, but the police intervened and took steps for his protection. The lights in the building were extinguished. but the police and the leader still waited on. until most of the crowd were gone. A small section still waited patiently, and later, about 10.45, the police escorted the evangelist safely to bis home. A few eggs were thrown at bint, but no barm wa« done.