THE “SALVATION ARMY” IN MELBOURNE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2722, 9 December 1881, Page 2

THE “SALVATION ARMY” IN MELBOURNE.

A disgraceful scene was caused in Prahan on the 10th Nov. owing to the efforts of some members of the Salvation Army to hold a service in the street. A man took up a position on a vacant piece of land at the intersection of Chapel street and the Malvern road, and commenced preaching. A crowd of over 200 larrikins and larrikinesses quickly gathered, and on a signal being given by one of the number starting to play a popular air on a concertina, the the disturbance commenced. Sergeant Parkinson, who was in the crowd in plain clothes, arrested the ringleader, who fought desperately, and would have escaped, had not some persons who were in the locality assisted the sergeant in conveying the prisoner to the lock-up. He gave the name of Charles Goldsmith, and on being brought before the Messrs Bowen and Arkle, J.P.’s, he admitted that he was paid to go and play, for the purpose of causing a “ row.” Ho was let off with a fine of £l, but the magistrates stated that if any other persons were brought up for a similar offence, the full penalty allowed by law would be inflicted.

Considerable disturbance was created in Russell street, shortly before 8 o’clock on the 13th by a large crowd of persons who followed the procession of the “ Salvation Army,” through the street. At about the time stated a number of men and women who constitute the “ Salvation Army,” collected opposite an hotel at the intersection of Little Bourke and Russell streets, and commenced singing hymns and delivering short addresses. They were soon surrounded by a large crowd including a number of larrikins and others who attempted to drown the proceedings by blowing trumpets, ringing bells, yelling, whistling, and making a variety of other objectionable noises. The whole scene was one of uproar and confusion, and was to use a mild term, a disgrace to any civilised community. The uproar continued for some time, and ultimately the “army” marched up through Latrobe street, followed by an irregular crowd, but on approaching the police barracks at the corner, the disorder ceased.