TIMARU.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3437, 30 December 1879, Page 2

TIMARU.

Last night. Further Disturbances Expected, Both Sides Arming:. Serious riots are anticipated on JStw Year's Day betireen Orangemen and Catholics. Both bodies are making every effort to increase their strength. The authorities are taking all precaution, and will be fully prepared to protect the Orangemen if they march. The feeling of the townspeople is* strongly in favor of the Orangemen, because they have never attempted to interfere with the Catholics in their processions.

A special meeting of the Orange Lodge was convened to-night, and a procession proposed On New. Year's Day, when preparations will be made to firmly resist any interference. The Police Censured. The conduct of tho Inspector of Police *n not ordering the arrest of the offenders is generally condemned. •- The Catholics Determined. Advice of their Clergy Disregarded. The clergyman at the Catholic Church animadverted yesterday on the conduct of the rioters, and asked all who would promise not to take part in similar gross proceedings on New Year's Day to hold up their hands. It is said only three hands were held up. This day. Excited state of the people of Timaru--330 Special Constables sworn in. 330 special constables were summoned ' to-day to parade at 3 p.m., and a guard of Artillery men remain on duty throughout the night. : The town "is quiet, but it is expected there will be a recurrence of the late scenes on Friday, but not on the Ist of January, when it is rumored the Orange Lodges intend parading. The assistance of the police, the Artillery corps, and the special constables will be called info requisition on that day.

Public sympathy is in favor of the Orangemen, us the unwarrantable action ot the other party is* generally condemned.

The ringleaders in the late riot; will be summoned, the Eesident Magistrate giving evidence for the prosecution.