Australia.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 297, 14 December 1914, Page 7

Australia.

RIOT AMONG THE PEARLERS AT BROOME. UNDERLYING GERMAN ELEMENT United Press Association. Perth, December 13. Serious riotfhg occurred, lasting for several hours, at Broome, between Japanese and Koepang crews engaged in the pearling industry. Nine Japanese and twelve Koepangers were injured, two Koepangers seriously. Five hundred Japanese and two hundred Koepangers participated. Sticks, bars of iron, an axe, and a couple of revolvers were picked up after the police, who now patrol the town, had restored order. Further trouble is feared. Special constables have been sworn in. The riot was the outcome of depression in the pearling industry, shell being unsaleable, and many boats laid up. Th crews have received no wages. Whites so far have not been but there is a fear of developments amongst some 2000 colored men, forming the crews of the pearling fleet. Faction feeling runs high. It is rumored that since the war the German element has been telling the natives that Australia will shortly belong to Germany, and that then they will enjoy the same rights as Europeans, being able to enter hotels, and enjoy other privileges now denied them.

(Rceived 9.'55 a.m.) Perth December 14

During the riot the guard turned out with fixed bayonets and aided the police in quelling the riot. • On a. peace conference negotiating, both

THE INDUSTRY IMPERILLED.

Perth, December 14

The Mayor of Broome, reports that owing to the hesitation of the Government in guaranteeing bank advances on pearl shell stored in the town, the pearling industry has become imperilled, pearlers being unable to pay wages and passages to Singapore. Upwards of one thousand men •.re likely to become destitute.

ides agreed to abandon hostilities

GERMAN PRISONERS FROM RABAUL.

(Received 9.25 a.m.) Sydney, December 14

i Six German prisoners accused of beating the Rev. Cdx as cabled on November 22nd, have arrived. It appears that Colonel Holmes captured the Germans at Mawatani, New Ireland, and had them taken to Ra>haul, where they were tried and punished, and it was decided to send them to Sydney.

The • Morinda also brought four other Germans on parole, including the doctor and magistrate.

DESTROYER DERWENT READY FOR LAUNCHING.

(Received 9.25 a.m.) 1 Melbourne, December 14. The destroyer Derwent is complete for launching on 19th. TRADING WITH THE ENEMY. (Received 9.25 a>m.) Melbourne, December 14. Francis Snow, who was charged with attempting to trade with the enemy, was remanded, bail of £6OOO being allowed.