AN INTERNED PRIEST.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2135, 1 June 1920, Page 2

AN INTERNED PRIEST.

PROTEST AGAINST DEPORTATION.

COUNTER-DEMONSTRATION BY SOLDIERS. Sydney, May 30. During the war Father Jcrger, a Roman Catholic priest, was placed in the German intenukent camp. Beyond the fact of ms being of German nationality other reasons, if any existed, were not "disclosed. The Roman Catholic Church authorities at the time made an ineffective protest against the internment -(of the priest. The fixing of Father Jerger’s deportation for a date early in June has revived the case, and led to strong protests from Catholic societies and representations to the Federal authorities not tp'carry the deportation into effect. Among others, the Lord Mayor (.Mr Fit/.-5 gerald) has taken a prominent part in the movement. A deputation sent to Melbourne interviewed Mr Hughes to urge non-deportation before Father Jerger was given an open trial, and in support of this a demonstration was arranged for todav in .Moore Park.

The agitation has led to much heartburning and Press correspondence again.-! easing of the treatment against Germans or allowing the religious aspect to interfere in (he ease. This led to (he Returned Soldiers' and Sailors’ Association organising a cuunter-demonstraPon in the Park with a view to impressing on the Federal Government the necessity of not relaxing the regulations for the deportation of Germans or permitting anything savouring of disloyally. The meetings were attended by 150,000 people, the speakers against deportation including Mr Ryan, the Lord Mayor, and the Attorney-General. After carrying a resolution in favour of deportation, the soldiers counted the other meeting out and then rushed the platform, waving a Union Jack, s and rolled the speakers off. They in turn were attacked, the proceedings at one time verging on a serious riot.