JAPANESE SPIES AT SYDNEY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13096, 8 February 1906, Page 5

JAPANESE SPIES AT SYDNEY.

GET PLANS OF FORTIFICA-

TIONS.

AN ACCIDENTAL DISCOVERY.

By Telegraph.—Press Association. —Copyright.

(Received February 8, 12.2 a.m.)

Sydney, February 7.

Mr. Ewixg, Vice-President of the Executive Council, who attends to matters appertaining to defence, was asked to-day whether he had any official knowledge of the seizure of plans of Sydney Harbour and fortifications, found in the possession of two foreigner:; at Thursday Island. Mr. Ewing stated that he had not yet received official information on the subject, though he would not say it was not known to him.

According to information received by a prominent citizen of Sydney from Thursday Island, rather a startling discovery has been made by officials there in quite an accidental way.

On the last trip of the steamer Australian two Japanese passengers, who passed as merchants, missed the boat when it resumed its voyage. Their luggage having been left aboard, they telegraphed to have it put ashore at Port Darwin, and they would follow in the next boat. The luggage, however, was put ashore ait Goode Island, where the Customs officials discovered amongst the so-called merchants' effects complete plans of Sydney Harbour and fortifications.