Callup disturbance

CHRISTCHURCH, April 29: The keenest interest was taken today in assembling the first section of the Second Division to go into camp by a crowd of people gathered in the vicinity of King Edward Barracks during the afternoon, women folk being in particularly strong force. Inside the barracks, where the reservists were being marshalled, there was a good deal of noise and hooting from the crowd. The Mayor appeared on the balcony, and his presence was the signal for a wild demonstration, the cheering and

hooting being continued. ‘‘We want more money,’’ shouted a man, and cheers greeted the announcement. Major Conway appealed to a police sergeant to clear the barracks, but the sergeant simply asked ‘‘What can I do?’’ ‘‘I have asked you now three times to clear the barracks,’’ Major Conway. ‘‘I cannot do so; what can I do?’’ retorted the sergeant. Finally the military authorities gave up the attempt to get an orderly rollcall of the men, many of whom were anxious to go into camp, and expressed their determination of doing so. These were advised by the officials to proceed singly to the railway station to catch their train. A good proportion of the large crowd left the building, but a numerous section remained and indulged in ironical numbering off on parade and catcalls.

Outside in the street a wild scene was taking place. The civilian police had undertaken the arrest of a man for disturbance, and when they tried to take him to the military barracks the

dense crowd closed round, and many spectators, chiefly women, urged others not to let them take him. Four or five big policemen grappled with the man, who was of athletic build, and he was being taken along when the spectators surged in front and drove the police back to the ditch. Here a scene of indescribable confusion occurred, and many people were hustled over.