THE RIOTS IN HYDE-PARK, SYDNEY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 79, 2 April 1878, Page 4

THE RIOTS IN HYDE-PARK, SYDNEY.

The riotous proceedings in Hydepark, Sydney, caused by the sectarian discourses of Pastor Allen, are described by the " Sydney Mornintr Herahl," of the 11th March. On the Sunday, in accordance with bis usual practice, he commenced preaching in Hyde-park to a large assemblage of people. A great number of his own immediate followers were present,. and these were accommodated with seats on Forms brought for the purpose; he himself stood on a wooden erection about 2ft high. After singing and. prayer he commenced his sermon ov address, but he had uot proceeded far in his discourse, when two.meu made their way up to him, and iusisted upon their right to uge the very spot of ground upon which he was standing. This led to a geuernl lumult, and it soon became evident that tbe two men were well supported. By this time an immense number of people bad assembled • in fact it is computed that not less than 5000 people were present. Fortunately no blows were exchanged — at

least none were observed — but the hustling became very violent, and matters aßßumed an alarming appearance, especially when the branches of trees were broken off seemingly for use. There were only eight constables on the ground, two of these being in plum clothes. They were afterwards reinforced by two more, but it is reedless to add that (heae ten were utterly powerless over such a mob. After considerable BurgiDg of the crowd to and fro, a terrific rußh was made by the aggressors, who were in the majority, and they succeeded in driving everything before them. Mr Allen was surrounded by his followers, who formed a sort of cordon for his personal protection. They could uot stand, however, before the immense wave of men who opposed them, and in a few minutes they were driven out of the park, and followed by a large nnmber into Castlereagh-street, where the rev gentleman resides He was eventually escorted B&fety to his house, coon after which the mob grudually dispersed. From iuformatien that has been gathered, it appears that (or comß time past Mr Allen has been in the 1 habit of using somewhat violent language when referring to the Roamn Catholic religion, and such as to deeply wound the susceptibilities of those professing that faith ; iudeed, it is stated that bis sermons in the park are generally calculated to arouse bitter feelings in those differing from him in religious belief, as they are specially directed against the dootrinea of the Romish Cburcb."

On Saturday, the 16rh ult., a meeting was held in tbe Pretestant Hall, Sydney, when tbe following re&oluiion was passed : — "That this meeting regards ihe violent interruption to the public religiouß cervices on Sunday afternoon last, by certain votaries of the Eoman Catholic Church, as a gross infringement on the liberty of every British Bubject aud the principles of civil and religious liberty."

VIOLENCE OF THE POLICE.

On Sunday, the 17th inst., about 15,000 people assembled in the park. Pastor Alien went through his service without molestation, and was then escorted home by an immense gathering of his follower?. Several thousand people lemained in Castlereagh-street for an hoar, when three men with Orange colors appeared, followed by a large mob, who came towards Allen's house. The police then charged the people, using their batons freely and recklessly, in order to dear the roads. Several persons were arrested, but no serious injury was done. The extreme action of the police is condemned. Further particulars of the riot show that the police were not ordered to charge tbe mob until they bad been struck with stones.