THE FIJI RIOTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 40, 16 February 1920, Page 9

THE FIJI RIOTS.

MAJOR PUTTICK'S RPORT. NO LOSSES OF LITE. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Saturday. A message was received by the Minister of External Affairs, Sir James Alllen, this morning from Major Puttick. in charge of the New Zealand troops, which were dispatched to Fiji on the Tutanekai. Major Puttick states: — "Arrived at 7 a.m. on the 12th. The situation then was obscure, particularly in the northern and western districts, with which there had been no communication since the 11th, the telephone line being cut. Previous reporte to the 11th state that the strike had not extended to that area, and that everything was quiet. In the Rewa and Suva areas the telephone was cut and bridges damaged by the Indians. There was minor rioting at Suva on the 11th, and at Naueori a few injuries occurred on the 12th. There has been no bloodshed yet. but the •ituation appeared to be somewhat threatening." The Governor-General has received a telegram from the Governor of Fiji, stating that serious collisions occurred in the Indian quarter at Suva on February 11, when a number of strikers, lying in wait for loyal workerß, attacked the police »nd badly injured three European special' constables. Order was at once restored and numerous arrests made. On February 12 disturbances broke out at Rewn, amounting to a riot, but the police and Defence forces showed admirable restraint under extreme provocation, and quietened the disorders without resorting to extreme, measures. Stepe are being taken to control the movements of the Indians of Suva and the neighbourhood, and to afford protection for those desiring to return to work. There is as yet no news as to whether the agitators have succeeded in extending the strike to the north and west coasts, or whether the recent offer of the Sugar Company to the Indian cane growers and workers is likely to be •ccepted.