ANTI-MILITARIST ROWS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 62, 18 March 1913, Page 2

ANTI-MILITARIST ROWS.

ASSUME A SERIOUS ASPECT,

(Per Press Association.) Christchurch, March 17

A disturbance occurred on Saturday night at one of the open-air meetings addressed by anti-militarists at the Clock Tower, and it is alleged that a portion of the crowd set upon Sergeant Stewart when he went to the assistance ofiitwo ladies whp were screaming; /

It is aliso alleged that the police drew their batons, but the police reports of the feuds make no mention of this, and if the batons were drawn it is assumed that they were drawn for the purpose of display. Superintendent Kiely states that at these meetings the police arc subjected to considerable abuse. He adds: “If things are allowed to continue as they are, I shall be surprised if these gatherings do not terminate in bloodshed.” ''■ ! "

Prosecutions of some of Saturday night’s offenders* are to follow.

The following petition to the Horr. A. I/. Hcrdman, Minister of Justice, is' being signed in Christchurch:--“Whereas Mr Rc'g. William's'has been arrested arid io irifw serving a sentence of fourteen Maj'fe-’ 1 imprisonment for srieakihg 1 at the Clock Avfe, the undersigned'' citizehs of Christchurch, believing this sentence to be. unjust, respectfully request yOu to endeavour to secure his release, and the stoppage prosecutions for the same aflegeh'ofr ericc.”