THE SALVATION ARMY.

Patea Mail, 5 July 1881, Page 3

THE SALVATION ARMY.

There is what is called a Salvation army at Home. Recently on a Sunday afternoon a disturbance occurred at Basingstroke in connection with it. Owing to the apprehensions entertained by the authorities, 120 special constables had been sworn it on the previous Friday, and during the afternoon a number of these, who had been engaged in protecting the “ army,” came into collision with a mob of roughs who were parading the town. The Mayor read the Riot Act and sent for the military, who speedily cleared the streets. A rather serious disturbance also occurred at Reading on Sunday, the “ Salvation Army” having commenced to hold its services in a boat-house. The morning service was broken up, and in the evening the mob attacked the two leaders of the army, and severely illtreated them. During the following week they were assaulted in Enniskillen whenever they attempted to hold their services. Disturbances have occurred, several persons being hurt with stones. On Saturday night the magistrates proclaimed the town and dispersed the armies when they went to sing. The mob had to be charged by the police, and the streets cleared. On Sunday Aide-de-Camp Gillas, of the Hallelujah Army was arrested under the terms of the proclamation. He went to gaol singing and preaching. Thereafter, accompanied by a Methodist minister, the army and several leading merchants of the town, proceeded to the Protestant quarter to hold a meeting. They were doing so when the constabulary charged and tried to disperse them. The people said they were in the right and refused to go. A number of scuffles took place between the people and the police. Great excitement per-: vails. The disturbances of the first nights were with catholics; those Sunday were with influential Proestants.