COOLIE RIOTS IN FIJI.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3411, 16 February 1920, Page 5

COOLIE RIOTS IN FIJI.

WELLINGTON, Feb. 14‘

{ A message was received by Sir Names Allen this morning from Major %Puttick, in charge of the New Zealand troops on the Tutanekai. Major Puttick states: “Arrived well at 7 a..m. on the 12th. The situation was then obscure, particularly in the northern and western districts, with which there had been no communication since the 11th, the telephone line being cut. Previous reports to the 11th state that the strike had not extended to that area, and that-everything was quiet. In the Rewa and Suva areas the telephone was cut and‘ bridges damaged by the Indians. There was minor rioting at sure; on thellth,and at Nausori a few injuries occurred on the 12th. ‘There has been no bloodshed yet, but the situation appeared to be soniewhattthreatening.” Lord Liverpool has received a telegram from the Governor of Fiji, stating that serious collisions occurred in the Indian quarter at Suva on February 11th, when a number of strikers lying in wait for loyal workers, attacked the police and badly injured three European special constables. Order was at once restored and numerous arrests made. On February 12th disturbances broke out at Rewa, amounting to a riot, but the police and Defence Forces showed admirable restraint under extreme provocation, and‘ quietened the disorders Without resorting to extreme measures. Steps are being taken to control the movements of the Indians of Suva and the neighbourhood. and to afford protection to those desiring to return to work. There is as yet no news wh‘ether the agitators have succeeded in extending the strike to the north and west coasts, or whether the recent offer of the Sugar Company tothe Indian cane growers and Workers is likely to be accepted.