THE RAROTONGA RIOT
A RESIDENT'S STATEMENT. By Telegraph-Press Association. Auckland, March 25. A resident of Rarotonga, writing to a mend at Auckland regarding the recent not of returned soldiers, states:—"The bcvs arrived by the I'.iloona on March 3. (jreat preparations wi>re made to receive them, and all united to give the men the welcome they deserved-ono that would express the gratitude and joy of their people. During the first wee!;' we had many signs that some of the boys meant to be troublesome. On Sunday, Jtarcli 0. we had a very impressive service in the open air. Th.e colours were handed over (consecrated), to be kept in the church. Unfortunately a great deal of bush beer was consumed alter the morning service, and by Sunday evening many soldiers were beyond control!' A number of sober, faithful soldiers wero got together to guard -the town, and bv about 10 p.m. all was quiet. Ou Monday some of the ringleaders were tried, and sentenced to five years' imprisonment'. Effective arrangements were made to keep the peace. Our troubles are not over, but we do not anticipate anything as serious as the disturbance m last Sunday night, We are glad to nnd so many of our boys who are not 6poilt by their experiences in other countries, and although a number of them have brought shame and trouble itfjon us, yet we cannot forget the great service, good record, and loyalty of the great majority of them. Really bad cases are very few, and the troublesome cases are altogether about fifty."
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Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 155, 26 March 1919, Page 6
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258THE RAROTONGA RIOT Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 155, 26 March 1919, Page 6
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