STORMY MEETING.

Otaki Mail, 27 January 1919, Page 2

STORMY MEETING.

BAYLEY COUNTED OUT. Wanganui, June 26. The Theatre was packed on Saturday night, when Mr W. D. Bayley was advertised to reply to the Moderate League in the matter os the forthcoming licensing poll. As anticipated, the proceedings were very stormy, owing to the behaviour of a small body in the rear of the hall. The trouble was caused by Mr Bayley’s remarks at Palmerston N.. where he is reported to have stated that a New Zealand soldier was shot in France for leaving the trench to get drink. The report of the disturbance, which appeared in a Palmerston paper, was reprinted as an advertisement in the local evening paper, and also circulated as a pamphlet in the streets. From the outset boohooing and counting-out took place, -even tne Mayor being refused an opportunity to explain why he had' not presided at the Moderate League meeting a few nights previously. Mr Bayley was unable to deliver his address owing to the noise, and eventually answered questions. He refused to make public the name of the soldier referred to, but offered to give particulars to a committee,‘consisting of the Mayor and two representatives of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, the committee to decide whether further publicity should be given. This committee was appointed and an announcement will be made in due course. Much indignation 4vas expressed by a large body of the audience at the liquor supporters’ obvious exploitation of an unfortunate incident.