MOBLAW SUPREME. [SPECIAL TO PRESS ASSOCIATION.] London, September 20. ALARMING RIOT. NOT IRELAND THIS TIME. BUILDINGS BURNT AND GOODS. PLUNDERED.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 221, 24 September 1887, Page 5

MOB LAW SUPREME. [SPECIAL TO PRESS ASSOCIATION.] London, September 20.

ALARMING RIOT. NOT IRELAND THIS TIME. BUILDINGS BURNT AND GOODS. PLUNDERED.

Further particulars of the rioting at Lillie Bridge over the Hutchens-Gent affair show that these two well-known sprinters had decided to run 120 yards, for £200 aside, and the championship of tho world. Considerable interest had been taken in the event for some time past, and Gent was a hot favourite until to-day, when it became known that in a private trial he had failed to make the championship time, and consequently the betting went round in, Hutchcns's favour. Several thousand persons assembled in anticipation of seeing the match, and were intensely disappointed. Gent and Hutchcns, after showing themselves on the track, retiied, and at first the spectators could not understand what had happened, but it speedily became known that the race had been declared off, Gent forfeiting the stakes,obviously to save his backers. The expressions of disappointment from the crowd were of the most angry nature, and were intensified by the refusal of thoso who had control of the grounds to return the admission money. A. scene of the wildest excitement was witnessed, unparalleled in the history of sporting disturbances in Englodd. The greater number of the bookmakers took advantage of the confusion, and boiled without settling. The enraged mob, in dissatisfaction at the non-return of their money, and disappointment over the match, proceeded to wreck everything in the grounds. The outbuildings, two grand stands, and a dancing hall were speedily demolished, and an immense bonfire was formed of the debris. All the liquor saloons were looted, and an attempt v. r as made to burn down Brompton Station. The infuriated body of people were recruited by hundreds of roughs when outside the grounds, and proved too stiong to be held in check by the police stationed in the vicinity. The mob remained masters of Lilliebridge for fully three hours, when reinforcements of police were brought from all parts of London and suburbs, and the place was eventually cleared of the rioters. During the time the riots lasted, many persons were seriously injured in the fight with the police, who were endeavouring to prevent the wholesale wrecking of buildings. One man dropped dead from excitement.