MURDERS IN THE SOLOMONS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19137, 21 October 1927, Page 11

MURDERS IN THE SOLOMONS.

NEWS EXPECTED SHORTLY. NATIVES OFFER ASSISTANCE. (bt CABLE—rHES3 ASSOCIATION— copyright.) (AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.) Eeceived October 20th, 6.55 p.m.) SUVA, October 20. No information regarding the circumstances of the murders in the Solomons is yet available at headquarters, but news is shortly expected, as the Adelaide has anchored at Sinarango, near the site, and has landed a party of sailors to form a base camp for the proposed operations. It is reported that the murders were committed by members of two bush tribes. Between 200 and 300 natives took part in the outrage. Since the murders over 800 natives have collected at Auki, the Government headquarters in Malaita, and others are coming daily to offer their services in effecting the arrest of the perpetrators of the outrage. The Resident Commissioner thanked them for their loyalty, and instructed the majority to return to their homes and await orders if their services were needed. Every endeavour is being made to arrest the perpetrators of the murders byi the civil forces at the disposal of the Administration. For this purpose 30 solected Europeans arc being enrolled as specials in the armed constabulary. Native levies in limited numbers are also being employed to supplement the available forco of 50 native armed constabulary. For additional protection, a party of 30 sailors from the warship Adelaide will accompany the expedition into the interior. The parties will operate from the base camp established by the Naval forces. The Resident Commissioner is in charge of tho operations, and will accompany tho expedition into the interior. Sub-Inspector Davis, officer in charge of the Constabulary, and District Officer "Wilson will also accompany the expedition.