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Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 189, 22 July 1884, Page 2

Even after the coarse invective and offensive and personal abuse indulged in by Mr. Rees on Saturday night—even after the action which he had brought in the police court—we were scarcely prepared for the disgraceful proceedings which were enacted at Mr. Locke’s meeting last night. Is it by such means as those resorted to —is it by such men—that the great cause of freedom is to be gained and assured to us ? At the last election Mr. Rees complained loudly against the “ Boohooing ” Gannonites, who, he said, were a disgrace to any community; but nothing half so disgraceful or unmanly was ever enacted before—even in Gisborne —as that which took place last night. The whole of the back part of the hall was packed with an organized “ mob,” under the direction of two well-known agitators who have of late earned an unenviable reputation for anything but manliness. Every larrikin available was brought there, and we hear of instances where men were sent round for the purpose of asking parents to allow their children to come and add to the “ fun ” and confusion. No one was allowed to speak, and no sooner did one mount the stage than the words “All together boys” were heard, and the row became deafening. . Any appeal to their manliness or to their love of fair-play was thrown away, as they proved themselves devoid of the one and apparently ignorant of the meaning of the other. When the amendment was put nearly the whole of them held up two hands, and more than half of the number were boys and non-electors.