MISSING PAPUAN EXPLORERS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1059, 23 February 1911, Page 5

MISSING PAPUAN EXPLORERS.

.. —4 — TWO.VIEWS. By Telesraph—Press Association—Cop jrlgbt. Melbourne, February 22. Mr.'Batchelor, Federal Minister for External Affairs, has received the following telegram from Papua:—"A report from Daru yesterday states that tho vessel.. Herrio England, while at Tanguan, was informed that the whole of tho Governor's 1 party had. been wiped out with the exception, of two carriers, who returned to Goaribari. This requires confirmation, but tho informant, who is a most reliable official, adds that ho fears it ' is true." ;

Mr.-'Atlce Iluut, Secretary to'the Department of External Affairs, • has received'a letter from Judge Herbert expressing the opinion that the march contemplated by Mr. Smith and party, would preclude him from reaching tho coast earlier 'than February 21. Tho letter was written after he had learned that Mr. Smith intended to . essay the overlaid journey to the upper reaches of the Fly Rivir. »;•/.. • MASSACRE' THEORY, DISCREDITED. ".. (Rcc. February 2&, 8.20 p.m.)Sydnsy, February 22.. Mr. Donald Mackay, the New Guinea explorer and the discoverer of the coalseams, which Mr. Smith's expedition intended to examine, strongly opposes tho idea tliat a massacre has taken place.

Messrs.. Pratt and Bell, two experienced explorers who are thoroughly acquainted .with. native habits, give them no chance in an attack, and -.placo no reliance on native reports of a massacre. They say the natives are tho, greatest liars on tho faco of tho earth. No New Guinea man' would take any notice of them. ; What happened was probably that tho' expedition encountered unfavourable conditions generally and would turn up safely. ' .FRESH STORES DISPATCHED. ' ' '(Rcc. February 23,.1.10 a.m.) ; -Melbournej February 22: • ■ • The Department of External Affairs has been advised that tho Papuan Government stcamor Merrio England-has returned to the Fly River with stores, and additional.'polico* etaiieW. 1 ' ' , '' l , Thero has been absolutely no news of Mr! Staniforth Smith's .party since December 7. Several search parties aro out.