NEW GUINEA.

Evening Star, Issue 4045, 12 February 1876, Page 1 (Supplement)

NEW GUINEA.

The following telegraphic account, re<ceived via Brisbane, of a fresh attempt to explore the Fly River, New Guinea, was published in the 'Sydney Morning Herald,' of the 20th ult.:—"somerset advices state that the Ellangowan, missionary steamer, with the Rev. Mr Macfarlane, Mr Chester, {Police Magistrate), and M. D'Albertis {naturalist), returned from an expedition to the Fly River, New Guinea. The expedition reached a point 170 miles further than was previously explored. On reaching that point they encountered a hostile demonstration from a large number of natives in canoes, fully armed with spears and bows, decorated with war-caps, their actions clearly indicating miechief, and causing considerable disquietude to the expedition. A number of spears and arrows were discharged at the party, which compelled the adoption of defensive measures. Fortunately Mr D'Albertis had several charges of dynamite on board, for the purpose of killing fish. These were thrown into the river under the leading canoes, and exploding, caused such a detonation as to utterly confound the natives, who beat a hasty retreat. After this skirmishing further progress up the river was abandoned. In turning, the vessel had the misfortune to run aground; the propeller taking in the sand, the shaft broke, necessitating a return under canvas. Before leaving, the party landed, and visited a deserted village, and secured a quantity of curiosities, including a large number of skulls, relics of cannibalism. As an indication of goodwill they left there considerable stores and trade. Thenewlyexploredcountryisgenerally flat and swampy, mangroves mostly lining the banks of the river, in many places over a mile wide. At the extreme point reached there was a depth of four fathoms of water found. Consequent on the low level, and the state of the country, the Rev. Mr Macfarlane despairs of a suitable site for a mission station. The natives are considered quite as low in order as the average abor ginal, and devoid of much courage."