A Chapter of Horrors

Feilding Star, Volume VIII, Issue 117, 9 April 1887, Page 2

A Chapter of Horrors

We are reminded occasionally that New Guinea is still outside the pale of civilisation, and that its people arecruel and savage. Here is a nice little chapter of horrors :— Not long ago some new dubus or sacred houses had to be consecrated at Motumotu, so one of the chiefs went away for change of air, and presently returned with parts of 22 ears, which he had cat off from as many victims. Soon after the same people cut off a party of their neighbours who were fishing, and killed 19, mostly women and children. Then Kalo in Hood Say goes in for a little devilry. They are old enemies^to* Qaibo, an inland tribe, but peace, was made between them and has been for some time observed. A party of Qailboans came into a feast at Kerepunn and were waylaid by some young men from Kalo, and all killed. Nine altogether perished^ — two men, two women and five children. Among the latter were two babies, and the wretches killed the little mites by holding them under the water and drowning them like kittens. Then at Aroma a poor blind man was buried alive. His relatives tied a rope around his neck and waist, and then dragged him to the burial place, where, in spite of his cries and entreaties, they effected their purpose. On the same day a little illegitimate child shared the same fate. His mother left him 1 in charge of her father, and when she came back at night he was gone. He, too, had been buried alive.