A DISGRACEFUL “ SCENE.”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1006, 17 June 1911, Page 3

A DISGRACEFUL “ SCENE.”

CHAOS AT A PUBLIC MEETING. We clip the following from the Otaki Mail: — “A most disgraceful ‘scene’ occurred at the annual general meeting of the Otaki Bowling Club, held on Monday night last at the Druids’ Hall.

“On being asked to take the office of secretary of the Club, Mr A. J. S. Thomson referred to the lack of harmony that prevailed among the Club members, and urged that bowlers sink their petty grievances, and work together harmoniously. “On Mr Thomson taking his seat, the Chairman (Mr Moncktou, late President of the Club) announced his determination of handing in his resignation, and that of his wife, as members of the Club. He stated he had been grossly insulted on the bowling green during the season by a certain member, and in all his wide experience of societies and clubs, Otaki was the only place where he had been subjected to such ungentlemanly treatment. Mr Monckton thereupon left the chair.

“ This brought Mr Byron Brown to his feet. He asked Mr Monckton to name the offending member, and Mr Monckton replied that it was Mr Brown himself.

“ This led to a painful scene,

“ Mr Brown absolutely denied Mr Monckton’s accusation. He solemnly declared he had never insulted Mr Monckton or Mrs Monckton on the bowling green on any occasion, and asked Mr Monckton to state the specific nature of his charge, and substantiate it.

“ Mr Monckton declined to go into details, adding that the whole matter would be ventilated in the Supreme Court. ‘ ‘ Mr Brown thereupon declared that the accusation was a lie, and the person who used it a liar. “Mr O’Rourke urged that Mr Monckton could not make serious charges against Mr Brown, as he had done, without going further. Surely Mr Monckton could name one other person who witnessed this offence, which was supposed to have occurred on the bowling green in the presence of a number of people.

“ Mr Monckton moved towards the door, but Mr Brown dramatically blocked the passage, and declared he would not allow Mr Monckton to leave the building till he proved his charge, or apologised. “After some further passages between the two, Mr Brown called Mr Monckton ‘ a cur,’ wheieupon the latter promptly struck Mr Brown on the face. Those present separated the two, and prevented further blows. After a time Mr' W. H. Simcox was voted to the chair, and the business was proceeded with.

“ At the close ot the meeting, Mr Brown reiterated his denial of having committed any offence whatever against Mr or Mrs Monckton.”