LICENSING POLL CAMPAIGN.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 January 1919, Page 8

LICENSING POLL CAMPAIGN.

ROWDY MEETING AT WANGANUI. By TelegT&ph.—Press Asaociatien. Wang&nui, Last Night.

The theatre was packed last night when Mr W. D Bayley was advertised to reply to the Moderate League in the matter of the forthcoming licensing poll. As anticipated, the proceedings were very stormy, owing to the behaviour of a small body in the back of the hall The trouble was caused by Mr. Bayley's remarks at Palmerston North, Where he was reported ta have stated that, a New Zealand soldier was shot in France for leaving a trench to get a drink The report of the disturbance which appeared in a Palmerston paper was reprinted as an advertisement in the local evening paper, and was also circulated as a pamphlet in the streets.

From the outset, boohooing and.counting out took place, even the Mayor at the outset being refused an opportunity to explain why he had not presided at the Moderate Leagu* meeting a few nights previously

Mi Bayley was ur.ablo to deliver hia address owing to the noise, and eventually answered questions. He refused to make public the name ot the soldier referred 1 to, but offered to give particulars to a committee consisting of the Mayor and two representatives of returned soldiers, the committee to decide whether further publicity should be given This committee waa appointed and an announcement will be made in due course.