THE RAROTONGA RIOT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIII, Issue 73, 27 March 1919, Page 3

THE RAROTONGA RIOT

A RESIDENT’S STATEMENT.

(United Press Association) AUCKLAND, March 25. A resident of Rarotonga, writing to a- ( friend af Auckland rCgardir*" the recent j riot of returned soldiers, states _he boys arrived by the, Paloona on Ma.ch 3. Great preparations were made to receive them, and all united to gjy e j the men the welcome they deserved— r one that would express the gratitude ahd joy of their people. During the j first 'week we had many signs that some j of the boys meant to be troublesome. 1 On Sunday, March 9, we had a very impressive service in the open air. Ihe colours were handed over (consecrated), to be kept in the church. Unfortunately a great deal of bush beer was consumed after the morning service, and by Sunday evening many soldiers we re beyond control. A number of sober, faithful soldiers were got together to guard the town, and by about 10 p.m. all was quiet. On Monday some of the ringleaders were tried, and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. Effective arrangements were made to keep the peace. Our troubles are not over, but we do not anticipate anything as serious as the disturbance of last Sunday night. We are glad to find so many of our boys who are not spoilt by their experiences in other countries, and although a number of them have brought shame- and trouble upon us, yet we cannot forget the great service, good record, and, loyalty of the great majority of them. Really bad cases are very few. and the troublesome cases are altogether about fifty.” .