THE SALVATIONISTS AT CHRISTCHURCH.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 1040, 28 May 1883, Page 2

THE SALVATIONISTS AT CHRISTCHURCH.

Disgraceful Proceedings. The Salvation Army are encountering much more serious opposition in Christchurch than , the slight demonstrations which they were met with in Dunedin. At their evening meeting in Christchurch on Sunday the addresses were interrupted by hooting, howling, and other noises, and finally brought to a somewhat abrupt conclusion. We learn from the Press that “ then ensued a scene which does not reflect much credit upon Christchurch, Though told by ‘ Captains ’ Wright and Pollard that the meeting had closed, those in the theatre refused to leave, and commenced whistling, hooting, &c. One of the most prominent of the disturbers was promptly secured by ‘ Captain ’ Pollard, but" the audience insisted upon his letting him go.- A threat of turning out the gas had no effect, and ultimately ‘Captain ’ Pollard had to call in the assistance of the police to clear the building. Sergeant Pratt was in attendance, and ultimately, after a good deal of trouble, succeeded in getting the people outside. This accomplished, the members Of the Army proceeded towards their homes. Outside the theatre was an immense crowd, and no sooner did ‘ Captain ’ Pollard make his appearance than he was set upon and hustled by a lot of larrikins and others, who should have known better. This conduct continued, and ‘ Captain ’ Pollard was followed by an excited mob of some 600 or 700, hooting or yelling. Meanwhile ‘Captain’ Wright, who had remained near the Cathedral waiting for a conveyance to take him home, was surrounded by a large number of persons, but ho personal violence was offered to him, and be ultimately got away safely. ‘Captain’ Pollardj whose experience amongst the roughs of the East End of London has been large, declares that he has never met with such a reception before. ‘ Captain Wright,’in his address, stated that he saw before him a very tough job to carry out the conversion of some in the audience; and subsequent events proved the correctness of this.”