COOLIE STRIKE AND ATTACK

Evening Star, Issue 20254, 15 August 1929, Page 6

COOLIE STRIKE AND ATTACK

FOURTEEN CASUALTIES RIVAL "TONGS” IH APIA [Pjsu United Press Association.l WELLINGTON, August 14. In tho House of Representatives Mr H. E. Holland (Buller) referred to the report from Apia relating to the strike of Chinese coolies, and asked whether the Prime Minister would order an investigation into _ the causes and the whole of the circumstances of the strike and the extent to which the police were permitted to use firearms. Sir Joseph Ward replied that ho had received a cablegram from the Administrator stating that the strike was due to differences between two rival “tongs,” and labour conditions woro not involved. The disputes between these “ tongs ” had led to a slight coufiict on a previous occasion and to two prosecutions of a Chinese foreman recently heard and dismissed by the chief judge. Members of one of the “tongs” were striking to obtain the removal of this foreman, who was understood to be a prominent member of the other “tong.” On Sunday morning last all tho Chinese coolies on strike (some 2SO in number) proceeded to the Chinese’s Commissioner’s office, where they saw the Commissioner. They appeared to disperse, but , suddenly attacked the office. Two white and several Samoan police on duty tried to restrain them, bub a serious riot,developed, and the police were in grave danger. Finally shots were fired by the police, and' on tho arrival of reinforcements tho rioters were dispersed. Fourteen Chinese casualties were in hospital, including four with bullet wounds. One was in a serious condition, though his recovery was probable. Sir Joseph Ward stated that tho police were permitted to use firearms only as a final resort and where necessary for tho preservation of their own safety. No further investigation appeared to bo called for at the moment. Mr H. K. Holland: It , seems you will have to got rid of the Chinese in Samoa. Mr .Will'ord; Or the “tongs.”