Nauru Riots

Clash With Chinese Workers

GREAT official secrecy has been main tained by Canberra regarding rather serious riots in June on the phos phate island of Nauru, for the adminis tration of which Australia is responsible.

Having completed two years’ service under indenture, 1,500 Chinese labourers employed at Nauru were due for repat riation. The steamer “Helidon” arrived to take them to China. The Chinese re fused to go. They built barricades, armed themselves with spears, clubs and axes, and showered stones upon officials who approached them.

The Administrator, Mr. M. Ridgeway, declared a state of emergency and issued arms to white residents and some native Nauruans. Australian officials fired warning shots over the heads of the Chinese behind the barricades. A clash occurred. Four Chinese were killed.

It was announced on July 18 that “the state of emergency has passed.” But no one yet has been told what happened to the Chinese—did they go aboard the ship, or are they still waving their clubs in Nauru?

It is a very great State secret, preserved by Mr. Ward as Australian Minister for Territories.