PUNISHING A “ WELSHER.”

Temuka Leader, Issue 906, 19 January 1882, Page 3

PUNISHING A “ WELSHER.”

At the Alexandra Park races an incident of a very exciting nature occurred. It appeared that a betting man known as “ Hoppy,” an appellation applied to him because he is lame, attempted to leave the grounds of the Palace without paying those who had made wagers with him on the last event. His movements being understood, a cry of “ Welsher” was raised, and a crowd of several tiiousands of persons quickly assembled. The man was attacked in a turious manner, and his clothes for the most part were torn off. The noise soon attracted a number of policemen, who fought their way through the mob aud surrounded “ Hoppy,” who, but for the timely assistance rendered, would have been most seriously injured, if not killed. He was escorted across the course by the police, and allowed to pass through a gate leading to private grounds nearly opposite the grand stand. What became of him afterwards unknown. He had conducted his betting transactions from a waggonette, and when he was taken away by the police, a considerable crowd remained behind. A call was made for paper, and showers of newspapers, race-cards, letters, books, &c,, came from the multitude in response. In a few seconds the vehicle was almost covered with inflammable articles, and these being set fire to. the woodwork of the trap, cushions and lining were soon in a blaze, the lookerson cheering lustily. The appearance of the flames brought a strong body of police to the spot, and after great

difficulty the carriage, well alight, was drawn out of the burning heap ot paper. Had the rescue been longer delayed nothing but the ironwork would have remained, cushions, rugs, aprons, and a portion of Hop «y’s ” wearing appare were damaged beyond repair. The shafts were broken off to stir up the fbe, and the harness was cut into pieces, the horses being allowed to stray awey.