Riots at an Eviction.

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1402, 28 June 1881, Page 2

Riots at an Eviction.

At Michelstown, County Cork, a seriou* .iff i ay occurred, yesterday, May 27, in consequence of an attempt of the sheriff of that county to evict fi\e tenants on an estate of the Countess of Kingston. The sheriff was assisted by twenty-five policemen and by the military, including a troop of dragoons, but the resistance of the people was so determined that the ! work was only partly accomplished. The chapel hell at Michelstown began ringing ; at 9 in the morning to warn the country people that the evictions were about to begin. The news spread rapidly, and the chapel bells for ten miles around took up the refrain, calling the people to assemble. The police attempted to stop the bells ringing but did not succeed. Ten thousand persons assembled in less than an hour. A large number gathered around the police and the military. While the first eviction was proceeding, eggs, stones, and other missiles were thrown at the sheriff and his assistants. Three evictions were carried out, but to execute the next two it was necessary to pass through the town. Three bands of music, and organised bodies carrying banners, had now arrived, and the strains* of "The Martial Tread of Clare's Dragoons " encouraged people to resistance. They obstructed the streets and sent showers of stones -into the midst of the constabulary. -Then the-'cavalry charged and drove them back, but they only returned in greater force and with new daring. While passing a yard, behind which a large - number of noters were concealed, a heavy volley of stones was delivered. One of the cavalry horses was killed. The police charged through the yard and dispersed the assailants at the point of the bayonet. One man's jaw was cut open. Twelve soldiers were struck, and many of the police were also injured. The Riot Act was read without effect, and in consequence of resistance it was decided not to proceed further with the eviction. The excitement lasted till late into the night, but there was no further disturbance.