Complication

Fracas In Noumea

Hitler, Finns and a Love Complication

WHEN the Finnish barque “Pamir” visited Noumea, New Caledonia, in March, and loaded a cargo of 4,420 tons of nickel ore for Germany, she caused a little social and political trouble.

The good-looking young Finns formed various attachments in Noumea, and thereby apparently upset numerous hus bands and lovers; but the serious trouble developed when the crew of the barque, although not of German nationality, developed the practice of shouting “Heil Hitler” in the hearing of the Noumeans.

As a result of this taunting cry, a free fight took place near the waterfront, and

Brigadier-General T. Griffiths and other members of the New Guinea Capital Selection Committee, arrived in Sydney by the “Nankin” on April 21.

The Committeemen would make no com munication to the press; but we learned from others on the liner that the discourt esy with which General Griffiths had been treated in Rabaul was a subject of com ment there. It appears that when the ex-Administrator arrived in Rabaul there was no official car to meet him and he took pot-luck in the matter of transport.

He was given a lift to his hotel by a minor official.

a number of the Finns wete returned aboard in a somewhat damaged condition.

The French authorities asked the captain of the ship to keep his men on board after dark.

Our correspondent, however, says that although there was some excitement, there was a good deal more of the love motif than of the Hitler motif in it.