THE JERGER CASE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 253, 20 July 1920, Page 5

THE JERGER CASE

DEVELOPED INTO A STORM CENTRE " ACTIVE PROPAGANDIST AGAINST ALLIES " (By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyriiiht (Rec. July 20, 1.20 a.m.). Sydney, July 19. Public interest is keenly centred in tho Jerger case and the Federal Government's final solution of a knotty problem, Which, owing to the declaredattitude of the 6eamen and other supporting labour bodies, carries possibilities of industrial trouble. From a simple question of an individual deportation the case has developed into a storm centre of Empire loyalty and sectarian bitterness. One.of the outcomes was a monster demonstration in +ha Town Hall to-night and the formation of an organisation called the King and Empire Organisation, affiliated with similar organisations existent in other States. The objects are to work in every possible way for tho welfare and consolidation of the Empire, and strenuously oppose all attempts to introduce or encourage disloyal doctrines. The speeches were largely a protest against tho alleged disloyalty displayed by what was described as a small section of the community.

Father Jerger issued a statement in Adelaide asserting his innocence and stating that he is conscious of no offence. On the other hand the Government claims that it has convincing evidence thai; Jcrger is an uunaturnliseil German, and during the war was an activo propagandist against tho cause of the Allies—Press Assu.

JERGER ON THE NESTOR CREW REFUSES TO WORK THE SHIP. Adelaide, July 19. After reaching the outer harbour, the Nestor anchored, and a police launch arrived, and placed Father Jcrger en hoard. The crew, in accordance with its jrevious decision, thereupon refused to "oik the ship, which remains at anchor. The crew of a quarantine launch had piovionsly refused to take Jergor to the Nestor.—Press Assn. [A Sydney message dated July 18 reported that the, Nestor sailed without Father Jerger. No attempt was made to place him on the vessel, as the crew decided to leave the vessel if he was on board. He was removed to tho police barracks.] PROTEST AGAINST DEPORTATION. (Rec. July 20, 1.20 a.m.) Adelaide, July 17. At the Supremo Court a further application made on behalf of Father Jerger for an order calling on the State Commandant to show cause why he should 1101: produce Jerger, who was on board the Nestor,

An enormous crowd in tho Botanic Gardens carried a resolution protesting against the deportation. It is now announced that the Nestor wa6 detained by the Inderal Government under tho War Precautions Act-Press Assn,