EXTRAORDINARY LARRIKINISM.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2306, 7 August 1880, Page 2

EXTRAORDINARY LARRIKINISM.

Tlic “ Bendigo Independert ” reports the following case : —“A young fellow named Patrick Callaghan was charged by the police with having been guilty of insulting behaviour. The prisoner, a semi-idiot, in company with about 200 others of the larrikin class, presented himself at the residence of a Mrs Hughes, on the Charleston road, on Wednesday night last, whilst a wedding party was taking place, and demanded PI in silver to obtain drink. A few shillings were given them, after which they broke into the marquee erected for the luncheon and rolled out a barrel of beer, with the contents of which many of the number got intoxicated. They then became like maniacs, dancing and shouting round the dwelling, and at intervals throwing volleys of stones upon the roof. Many of the guests were struck with the missiles, one young man austainnig a severe cut on the head. A few persons rushed out of the house to obtain police assistance, and it was not long licforc Constables Thompson and Rogers came upon the scene. The two policemen were defied by the gang, and the prisoner’s voice was heard calling ‘ come on, you dogs ; we’ll roast you in the lire like you" did Ned Kelly.’ The mob then rushed the residence of Mr Solomon, next door, and broke in windows, but were prevented from doing any further damage, the police who were, however, at a great disadvatage, the number against them being far too great to enable them to effect any arrests. The larrikins, most of whom were from the neighborhood of Back Creek and High street, showered stones upon the two constables, and continued calling out ‘ Where are the Kellys ?’ Callaghan was finally arrested and with the one prisoner the police were compelled to beat a hasty retreat, soon after which the mob dispersed. It appears that Callaghan is acquainted with the names of the greater number of the gang, but he afiiirms that he ‘ will rot in gaol before he tells on a single one.’ The case was, on the application of the police, remanded for a week, in order that the names of the remaining disturbers may be ascertained.”