REPATRIATING GERMANS.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 June 1919, Page 4

REPATRIATING GERMANS.

Sydney, June 2 . When the highly-camouflaged Willochra, loaded up with Germans and Austrians deported from New Zealand, anchored in Sydney Harbour, everyone was very much interested Passengers on passing ferry-boats were all eager for a peep at the Huns. Sydney, with much satisfaction, contemplated the. fact that the first section of the Australian Fleet, returning victorious, passed close beside the gloomy squareheads who lined the Wil lochra's rail. But, in the view of the intelligent officials who control our military machine, Sydney was not aware of the presence of the de-

portees. It was soon generally known that the Austrians aboard the Willochra were to come ashore and go into Holdswortliy Camp, and that their places were to. be taken by Germans whose departure from Australia was desired—and all this duly took place. Then the newspapers asked the military authorities for details, the same as had been supplied to the New Zealand Press. How many Germans were going, who were

they, and why were they being deported ? Military officialdom was amazed to learn that Germans were going

away. It knew nothing—had no information—was sure that it had no information ior the newspapers. And this stupid attitude wjs persisted in—even although the papers were describing what was taking place. One enterprising paper even published a photograph of the. Austrians, guarded by New Zealanders, being entrained at the wharf for Holdswortliy Camp. The idea, apparently, is that the Australian and New Zealand Austrians shall make one shipload, to go to an Austrian port. The Germans, many of them taking their Australian wives with them, went very reluctantly. Germany does not attract them. Those booked to sail made a great effort to escape from Holdswortliy. A week ago, a huge tunnel, nearly completed, was discovered —and they said quite frankly that it was for the deportees—they preferred it to the Willochra. There are still some 4500 prisoners at Holdswortliy, including the Austrians, and most of them are to be deported, it is believed. A couple of shiploads of them arc to leave shortly.