Bogosity

Some may be interested in this from a friend in Auki (which is the capitol of Malaita, the second biggest island to Guadalcanal where Honiara is)
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Dear Friends,

As feared, we had a disturbance in Auki this evening but it has turned out well, in so far as such things can turn out. The police worked hard today, discouraging any plans to riot or loot this evening. However, obviously one group sequestered themselves drinking. I went for a walk around town about 7:30 p.m. and it was quiet, but suddenly there was the sound of stones hitting iron roofs and doors of shops and shouting and swearing. The group advanced from the market towards the police station, shooting at the lights on the verandahs of the stores.

The police (RSIP and RAMSI) organized themselves with riot gear (I suspect the first time deployed in Auki) and took on the group, backed by the general population of Auki, a few of the latter shooting stones on behalf of the police. Having seen what has happened in Honiara, and also having fairly good relations with our local Chinese, there was no interest in the general population in joining the group causing the disturbance. The police made nine arrests, although some escaped. At least one was an ex-MEF and another part of the group that burnt our Cathedral altar a few years ago. They all appeared to be drunk. The police thanked the crowd afterwards for their support and orderliness.

So, fortunately, Auki at least is behaving sensibly. The “rioters”, in this case, were shooting stones at anyone in their path and not distinguishing between Chinese and SI-owned stores or individuals. Goodnight from a quiet Auki.