AN AUSTRALIAN SCARE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2466, 2 April 1909, Page 5

AN AUSTRALIAN SCARE.

'SUPPOSED JAPANESE SPIES

SENSATION A L S' L’ A TRMt.i T

United Press Association —Copyright

(Received Anril 2, 12.45 a.m.) MELBOURNE, April 1. Information or a sensational character, indicating a thorough examination by Japanese spies of the country lying between the Northern Territory and Brisbane, has reached the Minister of Defence. Several squatters informed him that during the past few months u small party of three or four Japanese suddenly appeared at various stations and small townships in Queensland territory near the. South Australian border. They earned a cinematograph, and exhibited pictures for the benefit of the station hands and settlers. Between the performances they questioned the people* as to the location -of waterlioles and the direction of all Toads and tracks, the number of cattle In the district, the number of people employed at the stations, and the quantity of stores possessed, and sought information likely to be useful to an army on the march. A.careful watch is now being kept on their movements. [The Australian Labor party, which is now in power in the Commonwealth, V Appears to be possessed with the idea 'that Japan, .though Britain’s ally, means to attempt the conquest of Australia, and since the Labor Government has been in office more than one statement lias received credence, as to the doings of, supposed Japanese spies. The present story will, perhaps, be useful to the Government by diverting attention from the agitation for helping the Mother Country ip the naval crisis.] ;• _