NOVEL EXPERIENCE

Southland Times, Issue 21257, 2 December 1930, Page 7

NOVEL EXPERIENCE

BUENOS AIRES AFTER THE REVOLT.

VIEWS OF AUSTRALIAN VISITOR

(Per United Press Association.)

Wellington, December 1

Doctor W. G. Woolnough, of Canberra, Australia, who visited Buenos Aires in September to study the oilfields there has arrived in Wellington. Dr Woolnough is geological advisor to the Commonwealth Government and was on a Government mission for the purpose of inspecting and reporting on the up-to-date methods of prospecting on the large oilfields. He narrowly missed the insurrection at Buenos Aires, arriving there a few days after it had finished. Even then he thought the population was still extremely nervous. The revolution proper took place on Saturday, September 6, and there was another outbreak the following Monday. Although it was being fought on a popular question and the interest was widespread in the Republic, the uprising was confined entirely to Buenos Aires itself. “A certain party of the city were fairly well shot up,” said Dr Woolnough, “and it is safe to say there were a good many more casualties than were reported. While it lasted the fighting in Buenos Aires was quiet serious and field guns were used in the streets.

“The bulk of the population,” he added, “were highly satisfied with the result.”

To illustrate the nervous feeling among the populace Dr Woolnough related that at the railway- station refreshment room one of the waiters inadvertently dropped a pile of plates. They’ fell with a clatter and everyone in the place immediately rushed to cover behind pillars and everywhere where partial concealment was afforded. They’ resumed their places when the situation became clear, but the plates falling had cleared the place for a few seconds. “There is no doubt,” said Dr Woolnough, "that the present Government has the entire confidence of the people.”