THE FIJI TROUBLE.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 February 1920, Page 6

THE FIJI TROUBLE.

SERIOUS COLLISIONS. A SOMEWHAT THREATENING SITUATION. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Feb. 14. A message was received by Sir James Allen this morning from Major iiutlck, in charge of the New Zealand troops on the Tutanekai. Major Puttick states: | "Arrived all well at 7 a.m. on the 12th. The situation is obscure, particularly in northern and western districts, with which there has been no communication since the eleventh, the telephone line being cut. Previous reports to the 11th state the strike lias not extended to that area, and everything is quiet. In the Rewa and Suva areas the telephone was cut and, bridges damaged by Indians. There was minor rioting at Suva on the 11th, and at Nausori a few received injuries on the 12th. There has been no bloodshed, yet the situation appears somewhat threatening." Lord Liverpool has received a telegram from the Governor of Fiji stating that serious collisions had occurred in the Indian quarter of Suva on February 11, when a number of strikers lying in wait for loyal workers attacked the police and badly injured three European speeial constables. Order was at once restored and numerous arrests made.

On February 12 disturbances broke out at Rewa, amounting to a riot, but the police and defence forces showed admirable restrait under extreme provocation, and quietened the disorders .without resorting to extreme measuresSteps are being taken to control the movements of the Indians of Suva and the neighborhood, and to afford protecj tion to those desiring to return to work. There is yet no news as to whether agitators have succeeded in extending the strike to the north and west coasts, | or whether the recent offer of the Sugar Company to the Indian cane growers and workers is likely to be accepted.