25 Japanese

Arrested In New Guinea

A VERY important development has occurred in connection with Japanese poaching in the New Guinea Territory which has been going on for three years.

The District Officer in Manus district (Admiralty Islands) discovered a large sampan poaching shell; and in some way not yet disclosed he was able to seize the vessel. It already was loaded with six tons of trocus and green-snail shell. It apparent ly had come direct from Formosa, but it had no ship’s papers or bills of health. The District Officer arrested the captain and crew of 24, as prohibited immigrants.

General McNicoll instructed the D.O. to bring the Japanese to Rabaul for investi gation. They are charged with being pro hibited immigrants, and violating the Fisheries and Quarantine Ordinances. The D.O. accordingly dismantled the engine of the vessel and brought the Japanese to Rabaul aboard the Macdhui, arriving at Rabaul on October 12.

LATER DETAILS show that D.O. Oakley was visiting Maron plantation (in the isolated Hermits) with Dr. Cooper. (medical officer), on September 15, when the Japanese came into view and com menced fishing. The D.O. gave chase in the Government schooner Eros, captured three canoes which were fishing for shell, and then “persuaded” the Japanese captain to bring his aux. schooner (Yocikune Maru, 39 tons) to Maron. He swore in Mr. Brewster, plantation manager, as a special constable, and took the Japanese to Lorengau to await the Macdhui.