KNOTTY PROBLEM.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 July 1920, Page 5

KNOTTY PROBLEM.

FATHER JERGER'S CASE. DIFFICULTY IN DEPORTATION. By Takpaph.—Press Ajsd.- Copyright Received July 20, 1.20 a.m. , Sydney, July 19. Public interest is keenly centred in the Jerger case, and the Federal Government's final solution of a knotty problem, which, owing to the declared attitude of the seamen and other supporting labor bodies, carries possibilities of industrial trouble, from a simple question of an individual deportation case, has developed into a storm centre of Empire loyalty and sectarian bitterness. One of the outcomes was a monster demonstration at the Town Hall tonight, and the formation of an organisation called the King and Empire Organisation, affiliated with similar organisations existent in other States. Tho .objects are to work in every possible way for the welfare and consolidation of ? the Empire, and to strenuously oppose all attempts to introduce or encourage disloyal doctrines. The specehos were largely, a protest against \ the alleged disloyalty displayed by what was described as a small section of the community. Father Jerger issued a statement in Adelaide asserting his innocence, and stating that he was conscious of no offence. On the other hand, the Government claims it has convincing evidence that Father Jerger is. an unnaturalised German, and during the war was an active propagandist against the cause of the Allies. At the Adelaide Supreme Court a further application was made on behalf of Father Jerger for an order calling on the State Commandant to show cause why he should not produce Father Jergsr, who" is on board the Nestor, becaus« th» crew refuse duty while he is on board. * ! An enormous crowd in the Botanic Gardens carried a resolution protesting against deportation. It is now announced that the Nestor is detained.by the Federal Government under the War Precautions Act.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

DEPORTATION HELD UP. Adelaide, July 19. After reaching tho outer harbor the Nestor anchored, and a police launch arrived and placed Father Jerger on boards . The crew, in accordance with their previous decision, thereupon refused to work the ship, which remains at anchor. The crew of the quarantine launch had previously refused to take Father Jerger to the Nestor.