Scene in Waverley Market - police called in

When the first of the processionists arrived at the Waverley Market few persons were inside the large hall, which had been specially fitted up for the accommodation of the suffragists and their supporters.

There was no attempt at decoration beyond some pretty paintings, which formed the screens at each end of the platform, and a profuse display of the colours of the Women’s Social and Political Union hung from the roof. Seating accommodation for over a thousand persons had been provided, and all the seats in this barricaded area were filled. Outside the barriers there was a large crowd, and it was estimated that altogether there was in the meeting between 4000-5000.

Punctually at four o’clock, Mrs Pankhurst and the other members of the platform party took their places. Mingled with the cheering was a considerable volume of booing from the back of the hall.

A good deal of jostling went on at the rear of the hall. Mrs Pankhurst intervened and counselled the audience not to trouble about a “handful of irresponsible boys”. The “irresponsible boys,” however, were not easily put down. They rushed the barrier placed round the reserved seats, and a large number of ladies in the vicinity were badly crushed.