CATHOLICS ATTACK A PROCESSION IN CHRISTCHURCH.

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

CATHOLICS ATTACK A PROCESSION IN CHRISTCHURCH.

FIVE MEN WOUNDED. AUEESTB MADE. Cheistchuf.ch, Friday. The city was the scene of a disgraceful riot this morning. About two minutes past 9 o'clock, as a procession of Orangemen, headed by a band, proceeded down Manchester-street to the railway, for the purpose of holding a picnic at Probbleton, they met the Catholics who were eraployed on the tramway and drainage works, and who live at Barrett's Borough Hotel. They assembled in front, of tho hotel as the procession was passing-. A rope wua run across the street in front of thejband. Tho band turned back, and the procession proceeded on towards tho rope, when a rush was made by a mob, .who were armed with pick-handles and other weapons. One man was knocked clown and seriously hurt. Sashes were torn off, and tho colours torn down. Tho Protestants tried to re-assemble and defend themselves with the banner-poles. Detective Benjamin and • Constable Cleary then came up ; the latter was struck heavily on the shoulder, and several Orangemen were knocked down.' 0 (Two were taken to a chemist's shop — one had a wound on the head three- and a half inches long, another a wound on the head one and a half inch. One man who had his head cut was taken homo, and another — very severely injured — was taken to tho [ hospital, and another Avas taken home who was not so badly hurt. , The crowd then called out that tho police wore coming, but some one said there were no "bobbies" in town. The fact that Inspector Hiokson had proceeded to Tiniaru with 20 men by special train at 6 o'clock, in anticipation of a riot at Timaru must have been known. Inspector Brohani appeared on the ecene with a few men, and while, trying to arrest one of the rioters, a voice called out "Faugh-a-beallah !" and a rush was made. One man was taken to the police station in a cab. Inspector Broham then asked the rioters to disperse, bnt they refused. Eo sent for Fajther Grnby, who got man/t to return to the Catholic church. There vas great excitement in. town after the attack. The procession did not re-form, but /nado its way to the station in dribblets. Three men arc seriously injxrred, two slightly. Tho* police have been stationed all day in the vicinity of the Borough Hotel. A report has reached town that the Mayor has communicated with Colonel Peake in reference to, uasemMing- in© Volunteers under arms. Should the present appearances continue specials will be savoih in.-