IN NEW GUINEA.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 September 1915, Page 5

IN NEW GUINEA.

PICNIC PROCEEDINGS. STORES OF ARMS DISCOVERED. NUMBER OF GERMANS ARRESTED. Received Sept. 5, 3.20 p.m. Sydney, Sept. 4. Following the recent arrest of a number of Germans at Rabaul, a statement has been made that since the Aus~ tralian troops occupied the town prisoners had been allowed out on parole, and permitted to hold social gatherings. At first the people observed the conditions, but during the past few months some prisoners on this German reserve list took charge, promoting picnics, which, instead of being simply picnics, allegedly became meeting places for announcing war news. The pictius usually followed the arrival of a mail, and news of the doings of the Gorman armies were read aloud thereat, and received demonstratively. Inquiry led to the stoppage of the picnics, and a search followed, uot only in Rabaul. but also in the outlying islands, with the result that quantities of ammunition were found buried, in perfect condition, indicating that they had been buried during the war, but had since been overhauled to prevent damage by dampness. The arrests of a number of Germans followed, on charges of having firearms in their possession. Every prisoner on the captured islands 'had previously been ordered to deliver all firearms. PLOT NIPPED IN THE BUD. Received Sept. 0, 12.33 a.m. Sydney, Sept. 5. Besides the hidden stores of ammunition, a considerable quantity of other arms was seized at Rabaul. There is evidence that the raid has nipped in the bud the hopes of seizing a favorable opportunity for a rising, including the securing of the support of the natives. The raid was carried out quietly and effectively, and the alleged plotters were placed In safe keeping before the bulk of the civil population were aware of what \v#a hiDDoniaa.