Manager

Unrest In Solomon

Islands

Plantation Workers Assault Manager

From Our Own Correspondent

Gizo, Nov. 1.

A PLANTATION manager in the Faisl district, Mr. Helm, was assaulted by his plantation labourers and seriously in jured. He was so badly hurt that he was sent by launch to Kieta in Bougainville for surgical aid, and from there he went on to Rabaul for an X-ray survey. It is reported that he has gone on to Sydney.

News of this assault was transmitted from Kieta to Tulagi, and the Government vessel Tulagi, with Messrs. Masterman and Kidston on board, was sent to enquire into the matter. Seven plantation labourers were arrested and brought to Tulagi, and there they were sentenced to terms of imprisonment, varying from six months to four years.

It is reported here that Mr, Sutton, manager of Foura Plantation, regards the situation among his labourers there as dangerous.

Mr. Musgrave, of Koreovoca Plantation, was so uneasy about conditions in his labour lines that he had his whole gang taken into Gizo for an interview with the District Officer, The Government official took steps which apparently proved effec tive, for these boys (Makeros) are re ported now to be quiet.