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[Page 159]
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referred to in same despatch, the following Germans whom I had temporarily engaged to assist the Administration, and whose period of employment would in any case have expired on 12th instant, expressed a desire to be released from their agreement with me :-
Herr Weber - Judge.
Herr Grumbach - Court Secretary.
Herr Grundler - Treasury Assistant.
Herr Schuyltz - Customs.
Dr. Bredemann - Curator, Botanic Gardens.
Dr. Wick - Medical Officer, Native Hospital.
Dr. Kersten - Medical officer, Native Hospital.
Dr. Runge - Hospital, Herbertshohe.
Herr Steinemann - Assistant, Native Hospital.
Herr Faulenbach - do do
Two Nurses - Namanula Hospital.
This step was taken because the flogging of the German Prisoners was carried out publicly, although all agreed that the flogging was well merited.
On the morning of the infliction of the punishment, I received a petition signed by all the German residents here that the flogging be not publicly administered, and that they be not compelled to attend the parade. These requests I refused. When the parade was assembled on Proclamation Square, and prior to the flogging, I addressed all present, explaining the enormity of the offence, and pointed out that on the same spot 3 months previously when the flag was hoisted and my proclamation read, I promised to protect all law abiding citizens, but while prepared to do that, I wished it to be understood that those who did wrong would be severely punished. After my address I permitted those Germans who did not wish to witness the actual flogging to leave the parade, but some remained.
One Prisoner, Dr. Braunert (the ringleader), on coming forward to receive his punishment, was found to have attempted suicide by opening a vein in his left wrist. This was attended to by the Medical Officer and his punishment proceeded with. The incident was, I fear, purely theatrical and without any serious intent. However, there were no detrimental results, and the Prisoner did not repeat the performance after his punishment.
The first five officials referred to in the foregoing list, I dismissed and placed on parole. They will remain in Rabaul until an opportunity arises for sending them to Australia the same as other officials whom it was undesirable to retain. Dr. Bredemann is, however, continuing his oversight of of the Botanic Gardens, as he is an enthusiastic scientist and does not wish the garden to come to any harm through neglect. The medical Officer I could not do without, as I have only one British Medical officer (Major Maguire, Principal Medical Officer) in Rabaul, and he could not possibly carry on the whole of the work of two Hospitals (European and Native), look after the Troops, private residents, and the sanitation of the place. I therefore told these people that they must continue their duties until the arrival of their successors, whom I had hoped would be in the "Eastern", but unfortunately, as previously stated, this vessel has not yet arrived. I trust the six Medical Officers and four Nurses I have already asked for will soon reach Rabaul.