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FRIDAY - 4th DECEMBER 1914:-
Further enquiry into the flogging of the Rev. Mr. Cox resulted in Herr Wienand pleading guilty, and he has been administered 30 strokes. He is a Belgian subject and the Administrator has not yet decided whether he will be returned to Sydney or not. Herr Koester, who was ill when the other prisoners implicated were flogged, has also been administered 25 strokes. Both Wienand and Koester have been released on parole and are required to report twice daily to the Provost Marshal.
The "Samoa" returned from Humboldt Bay, Dutch New Guinea, at 9-5 a.m. (expedition referred to in diary of 17th Novr.). After visiting Hermit Islands, the "Samoa" proceeded to Humbolt Bay, returning via Hermit Islands and Kawieng with stores, etc. and despatches from Captain Thorold, O.C. Garrison, Kawieng. This Officer reports that there is a scarcity of food, and the Natives are becoming troublesome in the South of the Island. Private Ryan was brought back from Kawieng by the "Samoa", suffering from Tuberculosis.
An Official Dinner was given by the Administrator to Captain Komine (Japanese resident), Mr. Jolley (Vice Consul), Lt. Col. Watson and Major Maguire.
The health of the troops is satisfactory.