THE CLARE RIOTS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2579, 27 June 1881, Page 2

THE CLARE RIOTS.

SECOND EDITION

[By Teeegbaph.] [Per City of Sydney at Auckland.] Details of the County Clare riot on June 3, state that 86 policemen proceeded to Bodyke to assist in evicting tenants. Bodyke is a small village between Scarriff and Tulla, where some of the troops are at present garrisoned. While proceeding to the place of Assembly in small parties, the police were attacked by the people under command of the County Inspector. The police were conveyed from Ennis by ambulance. On the way a hive of bees was let loose, and attacking the horses with their stings they were maddened, and became unmanageable. One of them dashed himself against the wagon and was killed. Mounted orderlies were despatched for assistance to Tulla. Meanwhile the united police force proceeded to a house where a tenant was to be evicted. It was situated on a hill, and as they ascended to it they were attacked by armed men, who from cover of fences on both sides of the road, poured a galling fire into the ranks of the constabulary. The latter deployed in skirmishing order, and returned the fire, killing one man and wounding several. The police reached the house and broke in the front door. The rioters rushed through the back door, but several were arrested. Some who attacked tne police from the fence covets were also arrested, and possession taken of the house, and its occupants cleared out. While returning with their prisoners the police were again fired upon, and one of their horses killed. Tne mounted men who were despatched for the military had to run the gauntlet, a determined effort being made to prevent them reaching Tulla. However, they rode into town despite the obstacles.