FENIAN RIOTS AT WESTPORT.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 112, 11 April 1868, Page 3

FENIAN RIOTS AT WESTPORT.

From the Nelson journals, of Tuesday and Thursday last, we learn that considerable disturbance had taken place at Addison’s flat, on the Buller, and at Westport. By a concerted arrangement loyal processions were formed at the various districts on the 2nd instant, and the day observed as a public holiday. A religious service was held, and after that an open air meeting at which Mr. Kynnersley presided, who was authorised oh behalf of the meeting, numbering 700 persons, to sign and transmit loyal addresses to the Queen and Prince Alfred. The day was concluded by a bonfire, and sending up fire balloons. On their return to Addison’s Flat, the loyalist body, or some of them, were singing antiFenian or pro-Orange songs, which raised the ire of the Fenian party, who attacked them. Two females, said to be of uncertain character, headed the procession, and were dragged out of their saddles. The male part of the procession being outnumbered, were severely beaten sticks, stones, and staves being freely used, and ultimately they were routed. The news created great excitement at Westport, and on the following day the people assembled en masse, and besought the authorities to let them go to Addison’s Flat and take the part of the loyalists. Captain Pitt and the Volunteers also offered their services, but Mr. Kynnersley. preferred going personally with two or three constables. On the following day (Saturday last), about noou 250 miners from the Caledonian Terrace marched into the town with banners flying, headed by the bagpipes, and singing “The Red, White, and

Blue.” These proposed, in the service of the Government, to proceed to the Fiat at once and avenge the loyal party of the day previous. Both Mr. Kynnersley and Dr. Giles thanked them for their promptly offered assistance in support of the law, and informed them that if their assistance was really required they should be ready to accept it, but at present they scarcely thought it necessary. Westport papers of Monday last (6th), state that no fresh disturbance had taken place. Public rejoicings took place on the same day at Charleston and Hokitika; at both places loyal meetings were held, bonfires, roasted bullocks, and a liberal distribution of all were the order of the day. No disturbance took place.