STRIKE ON THE MOKOIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 March 1920, Page 6

STRIKE ON THE MOKOIA.

I I SETTLED AFTER A DELAY. DUE TO FIREMAN'S ARREST. By Tslsgraph.—-Press Association. Suva, March 21. The Mokoia is held at Suva owing to seamen and firemen going ashore in the morning when the vessel was about to sail for AucklandThe trouble originated on Wednesday prior to the departure of the Mokoia for Lauto'ra. It is alleged that certain firemen entered a Japanese store and subsequently a dozen strings of beads were missing. The manager followed challenged a fireman who Was wearing the .beads, who knocked him inflicting facial injuries. A number of firemen, were arrested, released on bail, and proceeded to Lautoka. On the ship's return to Suva to-day the police removed the man charged with theft and assault on the manager. The crew pent a deputation to the captain, who said he had done all in his power, nut the ease was not one that .under the Fijian law could be met by a fine. When the order to let go the ship's lines was given left the' ship, sliding down the ropes, and the officers took the steamer into the stream, where she is now anchored. It is stated that the crew consider they are not justified in leaving a companion to stand his trial alone. Suva, March 22. The Mokoia is sailing at midnight. The strike is over. A wireless from the Mokoia on the 22nd says that after lo hours ashore, the seamen and firemen rejoined. It is understood the Fiji authorities agraed to grant the fireman bail in a sum of £2j, which was subscribed by his companions, and the Mokoia 'sailed for Auckland at 1 a.m. Tt is believed the Fiji authorities v.-ill nerept the forfeited bail. Residents of Suva entertained the members of Parliament who did not leave town. On Thursday thev visited the sumr plantations iu the ' Rewa district, on Friday (he rubber plantations which are on a large scale, the principal owners el' which are llauke's Ray residents. Returned so]<i'.«» s alu i sailors ~iet Sir '"ins Allen at a social gathering. There v- enthusiasm when Mr. Howard Ellis, nresidhif. congratulated the men on their achievements. Sir JniiK Allen replied, and. Mr. Downie Stewart spoke briefly. The Governor »nve a garden party and the Chamber of Commerce a dinner.