Warm Reception of Ministers.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 916, 9 February 1881, Page 2

Warm Reception of Ministers.

PELTED WITH ROTTEN EGGS.

The Auckland Star’s correspondent writing from Invercargill, says : — “ Major Atkinson and Mr. Oliver arrived by the 9.30 train last night. An excited crowd was assembled on the railway platform, and relieved their feelings by tremendous booting, groaning, and howling, like a menagerie broken loose. The noise was audible more than half-a mile off. Ministers declined to enter a cab and walked, followed by the crowd hooting to the hotel. Being hard pressed once or twice, Major Atkinson turned upon his pursuers, and exchanged chaff, but not being backed up by his friends, who evidently were in a hurry to get into shelter, had to give way. He continued, however, to perform the duty of rear guard with admirable coolness, and was the last man off the street. Messrs. Oliver and Bain were special marks of popular disapprobation, and evidently felt the humiliation keenly. A few over-ripe eggs were thrown after the party as they entered the hotel. Growling was kept up for some time, but no personal violence was done. The proceedings wound up with three cheers for Sir George Grey.