THE RIOT ACT READ.

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1171, 30 December 1879, Page 2

THE RIOT ACT READ.

Tijiivku, Friday. A most- disgraceful riot occurred to-day, between Oraujroinon and Catholics. Some days ago it was arranged that tlic Orangemen should take part in tlio Friendly Societies United fete to-day, and join in procession. This coming- to tlio ears of the Catholics, word was sent to thorn to all parts of tlie district to collect, The police had information, and, anticipating a riot, reinforcements were telegraphed for, and arrived from Christchurch by special train this morning- at 10 o'clock. Thirty police and 50 special constables were gathered to-day. About half-past I 10 the procession, including 1 the Orangemen—numbering about 40—started from the Foresters' Hall. The Catholics, to the number of 400 or 500, oollected from all parts of the district, and at once charged the 'Orangemen and drove them into the Foresters' Hall, the Catholics yelling, hooting, and brandishing weapons. Mr Beetham, R.M., then read the Riot Act. Another 20 constables are expected every moment by special train from Oamaru to reinforce the force already here. The Volunteers are on duty, not knowing what the result of the riot will be. Nearly half the population in the district are Irish, about a third of whom are Orangemen. After the riot this morning the Catholics, of whom there "were three or four hundred, formed four deep, and marched through the town yelling and hooting at all whom they met. At first the townspeople Avere taken by surprise, but as the day wore on their excitement overcame them, and they are noAV thoroughly exasperated, and arc organising to put a stop once for all to such proceedings. Many of the Catholics were aimed with revolvers, and but for the email number of Orangomen, and the conduct of Mr Beetham and the police, blood would have been freely shed. A meeting of Magistrates was hold this afternoon to consider the position of affairs, and Avas adjourned till to-morrow. Friday Evening-. After an hour's confinement^ in the Foresters' Hall, the Orange procession

pocketed their scarfs and wore allowed to proceed to the sports unmolested. The police Vero helpless.