Diggers Turn on Fireworks

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 96, 26 April 1939, Page 5

Diggers Turn on Fireworks

Raid on German Consulate in Sydney OBJECTION TO SWASTIKA United Press Association.—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright. Received Tuesday, 9.20 p.m. SYDNEY, April 25. An exciting incident occurred outside the German Consul-General’s offices iu Bridge Street, Sydney, this afternoon, when upwards of 1000 ox-servicemen, including four New Zealanders, mado an angry demonstration and attempted to break into the building and haul down the swastika which was fluttering outside the third storey window. A hugo crowd gathered when the men tried to force the iron grille guarding the entrance to the ground floor. Somebody apparently scenting trouble summoned the fire brigade which was quickly on the scene with six engines and other equipment in the belief that fire had broken out in a dangerous area. Forty police arrived shortly afterwards and tried to calm the demonstrators who were undeterred and shouted insults at Herr Hitler and the German Consul and insisted that the flag must come down. A timely arrival was that of MajorGeneral Gordon Bennett who had charge of the Anzac Day procession arrangements and who mounted a fire engine and appealed to the men to be reasonable, patient and quiet, reminding them: “We won the lust war and wo will do our best to get that swastika removed as soon as possible.” Deafening applause greeted tho appeal and within a few minutes the caretaker of the building hauled in the offending flag to the accompaniment of prolonged cheering.