SENSATIONAL STORY

Hokitika Guardian, 4 January 1929, Page 5

SENSATIONAL STORY

OF RABAUL REVOLT. - (Australian Press Association). (Received this day at 12.25. p.m.) SYDNEY, January 4. The “ Daily Telegraph ” prints: a sensational story from Rabaul, that the town unarmed, is in a perilous position, menaced by between three thous-* and and four thousand contract labourers from town and nearby plantations, who mutinied. When warned by a Roman Catholic missionary that they would be punished for desertion the ringleader replied defiantly, stating in that event the blood of the whites and kanakas would flow together. ■ >•> The “ Telegraph’s ” message adds that the mutineers were joined by murderers and othSr desperadoes ’ released (from gaols by native police, who also revolted. The present position is grave and hasty measures are being taken for the protection of the whites. General Wisdom, the' Administrator has received advices from Judge Phillips, acting-Administrator, that a number of natives left work and gathered in the vicinity of the mission stations, where they were interviewed by administrative 'officers, and later returned to work. Wisdom states the native police are thoroughly trustworthy, but even in the event df their the whole population still have ample means of defence.

Naval and military authorities of Sydney have not received any information regarding the affair and Rev. Hewett (Methodist . missioner) scouts the idea that the kanakas would revolt.