THE JERGER CASE

Gisborne Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5537, 20 July 1920, Page 5

THE JERGER CASE

POSSIBILITIES OF INDUSTRIAL

TROUBLE

BIG DEMONSTRATION IN SYDNEY.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. TAKES

ACTION,

STEAMER DETAINED UNDER WAR PRECAUTIONS ACT.

United Press At sociatian—''ayru'bsADELAIDE. July IP.

After reaching the outer harbor the Nestor anchored. A police launch arrived and placed Father Jcrger aboard. The crew, in accordance with the previous decision, thereupon refused to work the ship, which remains at anchor. -The crew of the quarantine launch had previously refused to take Father Jerger to the Nestor.—U.P.A.

(Received Julv 20. 1-20 a.m.) SYDNEY. July 19

Public interest is keenly centred in the Jerger case and the Federal Government’s final solution of the knotty problem, which, owing to the declared attitude of the seamen and other supporting Labor bodies carries the possibilities of industrial trouble. From a simple question of individual deportation the case has developed into a storm centre of Empire loyalty arid sectarian bitterness. One of the outcomes was a monster demonstration in the Town Hall to-night and the formation of a organisation called the King and Empire organisation, affiliated with similar organisations existent in other States. Its objects are to work for the welfare and consolidation of the Empire and to oppose strenuously all attempts to introduce or encourage disloyal doctrines. The speech*, were largely a protest against the alleged disloyalty displayed by what was described as a small section of the community. Father Jerger lias issued a statement in Adelaide asserting his innocence and stating that he is conscious of no offence. On the other band the Government claims fk lias convincing evidence that Father Jerger is an unnaturalised German and. during the war, was an active propagandist against the cause of tlie Allies. ADELAIDE. July 19.

In the Supreme Court a further application was made on behalf of Father Jerger for an order calling on the .State Commandant to show cause why he .should not produce Father Jerger who was aboard the Nestor, because the crew refuse duty while he is aboard. An enormous crowd in the Botanic Gardens carried a resolution protesting against the deportation. it is now announced that the Nestor will be detained by the Federal Government under the War Precautions Act.—U.P.A.