DESTRUCTIVE SEAMAN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19261, 27 August 1924, Page 4

DESTRUCTIVE SEAMAN.

HAVOC IN CHINESE SHOP. H,M.§> DUNEDIN AT FIJI. A REGRETTABLE EPISODE. ■ 1 One -of the most disgraceful incidents as-so-dated with the presence of any visiting vessel in Fiji waters occurred on Saturday, August 2, at Lautotal, while H.M.B. Dunedin was visiting that port (writes the Suva, correspondent', of the New Zealand Herald). It seems lhat one of a party of seamen on shore leave while in a somewhat merry mood called at (he Chinese store of Sang Leo and Co. While he wa-s going out one of the Chinese made some remark which caused the others to laugh, in a sneering manner. The sailor was going out quietly -enough, but some remark caused Ins anger to flare up, and lie made a dash for Mio door The Chinese must have been waiting, for one tried to close the door. This roused the sailor, ami he smashed m the door, and seising a spado in ono llaml and a oano knife in the other, made a descent on (he tormentors, who, without waiting to argue, incontinently Heel. The sailor then look charge. Ho wrecked the premises. Showcases, doors, cupboards, all were smashed beyond recognition or repair. Store goods wore smashed and destroyed ; and cash and small poods were thrown out to the crowd which hud gathered, and which was watching the carnival with great awe and much delight. At one shape the sailor thrcAtened to set firo to Ihc store, which would have been a serious matter, and would have meant the destruction of the hotel and many stores and dwellings. One of his mates interfered and persuaded him not to fire (he building. For three hours pandemonium reigned supreme. The man raged nil over 1 he' promises and slashed and smashed all lie could lay bis hands on. Every now and Ihen ho would cause a scramble among the natives outside by throwing out bolts of cloth and all sorts of articles. Eventually the Rona’s officers signalled the Dunedin to some to the rescue, and a boat’s patrol was speedily on the scene. The map was taken to the ship. The damage is assessed at over £2OO. Tho Chinese owner has put in a claim to ll)0 ship, which it is reported has not been recognised by the captain. What the outcome will be is difficult to predict.

At frequent stages in bis fenst of destruction, tho man hurled cane knives out among tho crowd and threatened to follow them up in person armed with a pitchfork. It was the merriest time the sugar capital has had for manv a long dav.