THE RIOTS.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3436, 29 December 1879, Page 2

THE RIOTS.

Special Constables sworn in.

CHRISTCHUKCH.

Saturday night. The special constables hare to parade to-morrow night, but they are not expected to be dismissed, as there appears to be some fear whether the disturbance may not be renewed on New Year's Ere.

The town was very quiet last night, and no attempt of any kind at a distubance was made. License of a Hotel Suspended,

Several other person* hare been arrested for stoae-tarowißg at Barrett's

windows. Six of the remaining men were returned to the Police depot, which was surrounded by cons tables, an immenso crowd following as far as the gate. At noon the special constables paraded in the barrack yard. They were thanked by the Mayor for the loyalty they had displayed, and for good service they had rendered on the previous night. Aa their services might still be required they would not dismiss them yet.

The Mayor also stated amid cheers that the Licensing Commissioners, in response to .a deputation of leading citizens, had determined to close Barrett's Hotel until Monday. The three injured men in the hospital are progressing favourably. Mr H. Nathan while acting last night as a special constable at Barrett's Hotel was knocked down and run over by a cab which was being driven through the ranks. When, he was seen by a doctor; it was found that though he had received several contused wounds on the leg, no bones were broken.

It was reported in town last night that a man, known as "Tom, the German," had been burned to death.

McDugaldjS Cameron, of Leeston, wan bathing in Lake Ellesmere on Chrismas Day in view of some friends who were pic-nicking near the Maori pah when he was observed to cease swimming, and though be was quickly taken out of the water life was extinct. Death resulted it is thought from heart disease.

The Star to-night refers to the rumours current as to the previous preparation for yesterday's attack on the Orangemen having been made at Barrett's Hotel. The action taken by the Licensing authorities in closing the hotel until after New Year's Day is concurred in unanimously. The Bench this morning absolutely refused to allow four of the alleged rioters to bail on any consideration.

The combined Catholic schools picnic on the racecourse on Boxing Day was a great success. The precession which left Christchurch was headed by St. Patrick's Band, and was composed of nearly seven hundred children, and about the same number of adults. On arriving at the station, the party were despatched by a special train. Bishop Redwood, attended by Father Ginity, drove out to the racecourse during the afternoon, and the whole party returned to town about 6 o'clock, and marched to the church without' any accident having occurred during the whole day.