PUBLIC MEETINGS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1579, 9 October 1905, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETINGS.

;To tlfe Editor Gisborne Times.)

I Sir,—The right of publio meetings is one ■ I which post oup anoostora great pains to I secure, bufi 3,3 it cost ns but little we seem Ito value it not at all. Gangs of hoodlums I are allowed to turn political gatherings I into bear gardens, and to absolutply preI vent afly sane proceedings. The reoeption [ given to Mr Stevens in his hgnest, if unfortunate, attempt to address the ejectors of Waiapu would have beon a disgrace to a lunatic asylum. If our worthy Chief Magistrate, who so often prosides in publio, would occasionally exorcise his undoubted ' right and have some of these disturbers of the peace dragged out and flung into their native gntter, or would put them in the way of “ soven days without the option,” it would no dcubt do something to 000 l their enthusiasm for disorder. I dot know Mr Clayton, do not like his programme, and do not intend to vote for him, but I should like to hear what bo has to say if allowed to do bo by favor of the larrikin element.—loucb, eto.,