DISLOYALISTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 October 1919, Page 3

DISLOYALISTS.

AFFAIRS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA - ADELAIDE, Sept. 30. At a meeting of the loyalist societies at the Adelaide Town Hall Inst night, which was marked by great enthusiasm, it was unanimously resolved to make the strongest representations to the Prime Minister that he should direct the immediate publication of an official list of all aliens, who have changed their names during the last five years; also to urge him to exercise greater strictness in connexion with the deportation of disloyalists of all classes,, whether naturalised or aliens; and to introduce legislation which will effectively prevent the introduction of German and Austrian manufacturers into Australia through neutral countries. Captain Blackburn, V.C., M.P., said there were places in " South Australia, such as Loxton, Tammda, Endunda, and others, where the Germans had almost sole control. He had paid some attention to “our little Berlin, Loxton” There had been in the war period a military parade of unnaturalised Germans there. A policeman who had scattered some of the disloyalists had them interned, and had been subsequently threatened with death. On several occasions tlie loss of the Lusitania was toasted at the German gatherings. Of the 70 per cent, of Germans in the popu lation of 2000, about 150 were interned. One of the internees was Chairman of the District Council and of the Repatriation Committee, hut after two years “in camp,” was back at Loxton again, and the District Council had unanimously protested by resolution against the War Precautions Act in the matter of detaining prisoners of war. He added that in 100 miles of river frontages, excluding the fruit settlements only, one frontage was held by an Englishman, and while the Germans held so much land, returned soldiers had been waiting for blocks. In some cases internees had returned to their properties. The Federal Government had stated that it did not intend to release internees, but some with power and influence behind them had been given their liberty. The R.S.A. fought for and wanted deportation of disloyalists. “If something is not done and that quickly, to clean up this country,” he added, “the Diggers will do it themselves.”