FATHER JERGER CASE.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 July 1920, Page 1

FATHER JERGER CASE.

ASSUMING BIG PROPORTIONS. ACSTHAUAN & N.Z. L A QMS association] (Received this day at 8 a.m.; SYDNEY, July 19. Public interest is keenly centred in tlie Jerger case and the Federal Governments final solution of the knotty problem, which owing to the declared attitude of the seamen and other supporting labour''bodies, carried possibi - lities; of industrial trouble. From the simple question of an individual deportation, the case has developed into a storm centre of Empire loyalty and secretarial! bitterness. One of the outcomes was a monster demonstration in the Town Hall tonight-, and the formation of an organisation called the “King and Empire. ' The organisation is to be affiliated with similar organisations that exist in other States. The objects are to work in every possible way for the welfare an! consolidation of the Empire and to strenuously oppose all attempts to introduce or encourage disloyal doctrines. The speeches were largely of proton, against the alleged disloyalty displayed by what was described as a small section of the community. Father Jerger issued a statement in Adelaide asserting his innocence, and stating lie was conscious of no offence. On the other hand, Government claims it has convincing evidence that .Jerger is an unnaturalised German, and during the war was an active propagandist against the Allies. ADELAIDE, July 19. At the Supreme Court, a further application was made on behalf of Jerger for an order calling on the State- Commandant to show cause why be should not produce Jerger, who is aboard the Nestor, because tlio crew refused duty while he was aboard. An enormous crowd in the Botanical Garden carried a resolution protesting against the deportation. It is now announced that the Nestor was detained by Federal Government; under the War Precautions Act. ADELAIDE, July 20. The Supreme Court hearing of an application on behalf of Father Jerger was adjourned fill Wednesday. Stewards aboard the Nestor refuse to bring food to Jerger. with the object of securing his release. Passengers desire his transference to the shore.