THE BROOME TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1920, Page 2

THE BROOME TROUBLE

THE INCIDENT UNSETTLED. BY TELEGRAPH—rRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) PERTH Dec 23. A leading Japanese at Broome has asked for a meeting with leading whites at which he apologised for the riots and offered to do all in li/s power to restore order, hut contrary to their promises, the Japanese gathered in groups at various points of the town, accumulated sticks and stones and looked over every passer-by in search for Koepangers. The town has been divided into two zones, the Japanese being segregated into one ,and Koepangers into the other. All coloured people have been ordered to stay in their camps between sunset and sunrise. There is now every hope that there will be no further trouble, as the parties have agreed to camp three-quarters of a mile apart. Special constables are patrolling the neutral area. A meeting of whites condemned the action of the authorities in negotiating with the Japanese, claim ing they thereby lowered the dignity of the race and contended that this opinion was justified by the failure of the Japanese to keep their promises. They also demanded a telegram to he sent to th naval authorities asking for a wnrsliip to bo sent to Broome as further trouble was feared. The Japanese are treating with disdain all representations of the whites. -