SLAVONIANS IN THE NORTH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15685, 12 August 1914, Page 4

SLAVONIANS IN THE NORTH

OPPOSED TO AUSTRIA.

LOYALTY TO BRITAIN.

[by telegraph.—special correspondent.]

Wellington, Tuesday. Tire following telegram was received today by Mr. Gordon Coates, member for Kaipara, from Mr. John Totich, of Dar- | gaville, on behalf of Slavonians in that district;:—" Kindly make it known to your Government that 300 Dalmatians and Croatian .in this district. aro all of Slavonian nationality, and the majority British subjects. As such we have already renounced our political and hereditary rights in Austria by refusing to go to join tho colours. Wo are a Slavonian race, and are bitter against Germanic principles. We have always sympathised with our brother Servians and Russians, and therefore we consider ourselves to be your Government's faithful allies, friends, and sympathisers ready to join the British colours to fight our common foe. Wo pray that your Government may not consider us as Austrians and treat us as political enemies. From your Government's humble Slavonians of Northern Wairoa.—(Sigflod) John Touch."

The Prime Minister, after reading this telegram to the House this afternoon, said that the'loyalty of the Dalmatians and Croatians was very gratifying to the Government and the country.

Mr. Coates has been asked whether the Dalmatians and Croatians who are not naturalised are liable to arrest. Ho has replied that he has been given to understand that as Britain is not at war with Austria, the people in question are not liable to arrest. The fact that they havo announced allegiance to Britain, ho states, is also another fact to bo considered. /