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THURSDAY 10TH NOVEMBER 1914:
The "Madang" which left Rabaul at 4-30 p.m. yesterday with troops for New Ireland, returned at 1-0 a.m. having sprung a leak. The troops will be transferred to the "Meklong". The "Loringow" proceeded on her journey.
The route march to Bita Paka, referred to in diary of the 7th instant, was completed at 10-0 a.m. today; 24 men returned by boat, being unable to complete the march.
"Matunga" returned from Herbertshohe at 1-30 p.m. with a load of copra.
It has been decided to deport to Australia the 2nd Mate of S.S. "Siar" (Erick Usadel), he having threatened the life of Captain Strasburg, also that of a Native. He will leave in the "Matunga".
The decision of the Courts Martial on No. 811 Pte. W. Barrington, and No. 108 Bugler A.J. Fitzsimmons, were announced. Barrington was found guilty of breaking and entering, stealing and receiving, and was sentenced to six months imprisonment with hard labor; Fitzsimmons was found guilty of receiving stolen money and was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment.
The "Matunga" left for Sydney via Samarai at 5-0 p.m., her cargo consisting of Copra. Official despatches and a mail were also sent. The following proceeded to Sydney by this vessel:-
PASSENGERS: Engineer Lieut. Creswell, Fleet W/T Officer.
Six Employees New Guinea Coy paying own fare.
Deported: 7 German Govt. Officials, 4 Women & Children.
Prisoners 4 Germans.
do Privates Clogg and Barrington & Bugler Fitzsimmons.
Invalided: Commander J.A.H. Beresford and 11 other members of the Expeditionary Force.
The Prisoners were under a guard consisting of 1 Sergeant and 12 men.
Following are particulars of wireless messages received and transmitted:-
12-35 a.m. to Pethebridge, Defence:-
"Your message 0105 of 31st Octr. Actual amount Govt. money not known till books balanced; taken over Gold 292, Silver 9581, Dollars 2310, Notes 3368. Notes legal tender - Administrator."
1-5 a.m. Pethebridge, Defence:-
"No mess tins issued Infantry; 1,000 very urgently required. Administrator."
3-45 a.m. Navy Office to Administrator:-
"How much coal is there now at Matupi and in Minos (?)"
also - "Did you receive copy German Code from "Moresby".