NO GRERMANS WANTED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17347, 19 December 1919, Page 9

NO GRERMANS WANTED.

INCIDENT AT SUVA.

ALIENS REFUSED LANDING.

FIRM STAND BY SOLDIERS.

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SUVA (Fiji), Dec. 11.

Remember the Lnsitania, Louvain, and Mons." "No square-heads wanted." These and other signs figured on the walls of the sheds on the new wharf, Suva, on Sunday, when the steamer Atua drew alongside the wharf where 40 or 50 returned soldiers and many residents were gathered.

The Atua brought five Germans who had been interned in Australia. They all have property in Fiji, where they resided before the war. They had been deported as undesirables, although all were naturalised.

There was no misjudging the temper of the crowd. No German. should be allowed to land. The other passengers came ashore. The Germans, who had kept on the seaward side of the ship' up to this point, now appeared near the gangway. "I'll shoot the first of you who sets foot on the wharf " was a throaty threat. A big sling of luggage swung on to the wharf. Four packages bore German names. Then in some mysterious fashion three of the packages, including one steel trunk, were sinking in the waters of the harbour. This incident was greeted with cheers. " Hand back that other trunk and they won't come ashore," came from the deck, and the trunk was allowed to be taken on board. The R.S. and S.A. president went on board and advised the Gerrnot to land or he-could not restrain Lis men. They took the advice and stayed. Later they -were taken to the quarantine island, Nnkuiau, by launch. There they remain for the present. , . f Six more Germans, including two wives, arrived yesterday by the steamer Levuka' and after much persuasion also went to Nukulau.

On Monday Hie Excellency the Governor met seme 88 returned men at. their' clubrooms. His Excellency pointed out that, oy law the men had a right to land, and he had specific instruction*, to that effect from the Secretary of State. The soldiers would have none of ii. The Governor premised to consider the matter, and 1 promised no steps would be taken until he .met a deputation of the soldiers and one of the citizens.

Public feeling is unanimous that no alien must land. Levuka b- even more determined, so is Lautoka.

DECISION OF PUBLIC &ESTISQ.

EMPHATIC PROTEST RECORDED.

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' SUVA (Fiji). Dec. 13. The largest public meeting held in Suva met last night to express public opinion as to whether naturalised or any "other kiritl of enemy alien should be admitted into Fiji. The Mayor (Hon. M. Scott, K.C.) presided, and there were accredited repre- j sentatives present from Levuka, Bewail Lautoka, and other centres. 'The audience included many returned soldiers ■ and sailors,'and was wildly enthusiastic. The Hon. Henry Macks, C.8.E., proEosed — this meeting of citizens of. uva, at'which representatives of Levuka and other centres are ' present, is unanimous in its determination to exclude from the colony all former alien enemies, Jana respectfully asks that Kis: Excellencyl, the Governor; take immediate steps to communicate to all such persons that their return to this colony is strongly resetted by the people, and should they attempt to do so,, their safety may be imperilled." A great, sea of hands carried the motion. This morning a deputation - will layfthe motion before the Governor. i It is said the interned Germans are all anxious to leave ■at once. ( . '