Several men created a disturbance in Manor Place shortly after 10.15 on Saturday night. It appears that some dispute arose between two of a crowd of eight and a "rough and tumble" ensued.
The other individuals, however, instead of looking on dispassionately, also took a hand in the affair, with the result that one of the men was generally assaulted by the others.
The 16 minutes past 10 car from St.
Kilda came along when the affray was at its height, and the semi-dazed victim jumped on the front of the car, on the closed side, just as it stopped to pick up a passenger. His assailants caught hold of him and sought to pull him off, and a struggle ensued. One of the tramway inspectors were near, and in order that the traffic should not be stuck up, he endeavoured to make the man release his grip.
Some minutes elapsed, however, before the man could be made to let go, and when he did it was only because he was unable to stand the strain on his head and neck, caused by the grip of a semi-savage, who was bringing the whole of his weight to bear in his endeavour to pull the man backwards off the car.
The unfortunate fellow eventually fell to the ground, the back of his head striking the pavement with considerable force.
• The 528 passengers aboard the Corinthic, which arrived at Wellington from London on Saturday, had a fairly enjoyable trip out from England (says our Wellington correspondent), but the complaint is made that they were not a very sociable lot. At times the hours dragged slowly and the arrival in port was a welcome occurrence to most of those on board. The usual sports gatherings were held, and several very enjoyable concerts were given in aid of seamen's charities, the proceeds of the one held on September 12 being devoted to the Lyttelton Seamen's Institute.
Many dances took place, but the most successful event of this class was a "grand fancy dress ball," held in the third saloon.
• Speaking in the Court of Arbitration, Mr W. Pryor, secretary of the Employers' Association, pointed out that the Trades and Labour Councils were fast becoming strong political bodies. For this reason the employers might yet find it necessary to raise stronger opposition - by legislation, perhaps - to any further restrictions in the matter of preference. They contended it was altogether wrong to compel men to pay money to an organisation, whose funds might be used for political purposes quite opposed to the views and opinions of those who were compelled to contribute. - ODT, 23.9.1912.
