AUSTRIANS ON THE GUM FIELDS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2808, 28 June 1916, Page 9

AUSTRIANS ON THE GUM FIELDS

THE INTERNMENT OF UNNATUEALISED SINGLE MEN. . By Telegraph—l'rcss Asiac.'ation. Dargaville, June 27. There is said to be much indignation in tho North Auckland district at the Government's proposals in regard to Austrians. Last week the Koipara Chamber of Commerce, at a meeting presided over by Mr. A. E. Harding, late M.P., passed a resolution asking the Government to submit its proposals to the Chamber in regard to aliens before enforcement.' The Prime Minister replied that proposals had aiot been finally decided. Tho seme day tho Minister met in Auckland a deputation, and said the Government was determined to move ' nil the ,uiinaturalised single alien gumdiggers to the Pa'ronga district.

Mr. Harding, when interviewed, said that the Minister's reply was a shuffle and an insult to himself and the people of North Auckland. "At one moment ho sent a telegram stating that the Government had not decided on its proposals, and at the next he tells a deputation that the proposals had been decided ujon. It is an unprovoked piece of persecu-. tion and tyranny on an unoffending class of people, and must bring deep resentment. The Minister said tho Government had taken the advice of the leading people of North Auckland. I challenge him to name any leading citizen. [ challenge him to publish the polico reports. The fact is that, the Government has been hoodwinked. The whole business has been worked to further enhance the fortunes of a wealthy absentee syndicate. The interning of Austrians will decrease the gum fields by twothirds. Tho agitators for internment little know the disastroai effects it will havo on many country settlements. I would contrast tho proposed action vith the supincness of the Government in .dealing with Messrs. Webb, Payne, and. others in their anti-recruiting <::impa<gn, and the expressed determination of tho llaxmillers to forcibly resist the enforcement of the Military Sprvico Act."