RIFLE SHOOTING.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 July 1927, Page 4

RIFLE SHOOTING.

(Australian A- X.Z. Cable Association.) FCOATING MINE. SYDNEY. July 9. A Iloating mine, presumably one of llio.M' laid by the German raider Wolf in 1917 is reported to have been seen near Twofold Hay. South Coast. Investigations arc being made by tinnavigation authorities. Meantime a warning is issued to shipping to give tin- locality a wide berth.

a seniors ai.lkUati >.\. Hmsl3 AX It. .July 7i. At a largely attended meeting at Townsville jetty, allegations were made that between 10ft and 300 Annaniese coolies aboard the steamer Tlai Stun, at present in Townsville Harbour, had been kidnapped. It was alleged at the meeting that the coolies were shanghaied from the French concession of Kwnugchow alter being given drugged

cigarettes and were consigned to mines in Xew Hebrides, it is stated a mes--age was smuggled ashore Irom the vessel to the effect that a sick man was thrown overboard a couple of days before the ship reached I ownsville. Further allegations were that there was no doctor aboard and the coolies wore treated worse than pigs. The owners o! tin- ship stale the r. allies were not kidnapped and that the only pie uutimis taken were those

necessary to prevent any eentrav.'ii.tion of the Australian immigration laws. The ship at present is anchored in Cleveland Bay. The Federal (hiveriunrid has instructed a customs officer at Townsville to hold an inquiry and this officer states the Chinese have French and Chinese passports v. Inch disposes of the shanghaiing story. The ship fr ill amidships was stated to he a huge cage with spiked steel lattice guards and men were oii duty with rides and revolvers.