STUPID JOKE

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 82, 31 December 1928, Page 10

STUPID JOKE

REMOVAL OF ITALIAN COAT-OF-ARMS efforts to trace OFFENDER I VICE-CONSUL’S STRONG PROTEST (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Brisbane, December 29. It is now definitely established that a party of roysterers were responsible for the removal of the coat-of-arins from the front of the Italian Consulate, which later was found decorating the general store of a Chinese. The incident is regarded by most residents as a stupid practical joke, which is common about the Christmas season. However, much resentment has been caused among the Italian population. Larrikins on the same evening also removed barbers’ poles, dentists’ plates, etc., and erected them elsewhere. The Deputy-Premier has instructed the police to make every effort to try to trace the offender who removed the coat-of-arms from the Italian Consul’s office, at Innisfail. He points out that brass plates were removed the same night from other premises, indicating a Christmas prank. (United Service.) (Rec. December 30, 5.5 p.m.)

Milan, December 28.

According to an official statement to the Stefani Agency, the Italian ViceConsul has strongly protested about the Innisfail incident, which the Italian colony deeply resents. “Il Popolo d’ltalia” says the fight against Italian workmen in Australia has all the appearance of open hostility against Italy. Such violent acts, even if the work of an irresponsible individual, are the consequence of deplorable legal measures. If the situation becomes grave, dangerous sources of these provocations will be found in brutal, ungenerous anti-Italian agitation. ITALIAN DEMONSTRATION REGARDED AS CHALLENGE TO AUSTRALIANS Sydney, December 29. The Sydney “Guardian’s” Innisfail correspondent says that the mobilisation of every Italian in the district has been commanded by the Vice-Consul for January 5, when the coat-of-arms will be restored at a huge national assembly. This order, contained in a manifesto printed in Italian, is regarded with grave fears as a direct challenge to the Australian community, especially in view of the heated feeling that already exists. ATTITUDE OF WHITEHALL MATTER FOR AUSTRALIA (United Service.) (Rec. December 30, 5.5 p.m.) London, December 28. The Italian Government has not discussed the Australian anti-Italian demonstration with the British Government, and it is expected that any action will be direct between Rome and Canberra, or Brisbane. Whitehall has no inclination to discuss the question, but it seems that there is a definite desire not to be at present involved. A Whitehall spokesman intimated that the matter rested solely between Italy and Australia, who must settle it themselves. It is likely that if the matter is referred here, it will be referred back to Australia, though if Australia and Italy are not able to settle it mutually satisfactorily, then British diplomacy would be available if desired.