THE RECENT CONFLICT.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 36, 11 August 1893, Page 2

THE RECENT CONFLICT.

PARTICULARS OF THE FIQHT. SURRENDER OF MATAAFA. (PKB PRESS ASSOCIATION). Auckland. This Day. Particulars of the fight on July Bth at Samoa, between Matnnfa and Malk-toa, j show th n t the raininga (Government troops), about 100 strong, took up n position near Fredman's house, whilst the enemy, equally strong, were in the stockyard. A i»un nccidently, or wiltully, fired >hot one of the Government troops, nnd a brisk fusilnde ensued. Matanfa's people were driven bnck to the boundary of the plantation, when darkness set in. Four women were killed, two being beheaded shortly after. Eleven heads were brought to town nnd presented to the King. Altogether 23 bodies were brought in, and a number of wounded removed to the hospital. The casualties are estimated as- -enemy. 16 killed, 17 wounded ; Government, 4 killed. 12 wounded. Mataafa retired, and in evacuating Malietoa, the Government troops se» fire to it. On the 13th.' Father Brother, of the French Mission, addr.-ssed the Chef Justice on the question of an honorable peace to Malietoa, who referred him to M.ilietoa. suggesting that if ih- I'*r nch Mission hud used its undoubted influence with Matnafn the war would not hare ensued. At a meeting of the representatives of the Powers interested on the 17th it was decided thnt the warships should go to Manono, and demand the surrender ot Matnafa and all his principal chiefs, nnd have them taken to Apia and surrender d to the Government of Samoa for trial, and the King be informeJ of this intention. An ultimatum was rent to Matnafn, who was entrenched at Manono acquir ing ho surrender With the chief and arms in three hours, or the warships Bussard, Sperber, and Katoomba would open fire within fifteen minutes of the specified limit Mntaafa and his chiefs boarded the Katoomba and surrendered with their arms. All of Mata&fa's followers re' turned to Manono Ihe prisoners were distributed among the warships and well treated. Mataafa and his men were promised their lives on surrendering. It is understood Mataafa will make diselosurcs as to how he was advised in bis action. It is suggested the most prominent of rebels should be banished from Samoa. It was arranged the King's forces will occupy Manono, but uo acts of reprisal on AJataafa's people will be permitted. Washington, August 10. The Cabinet is discussing the policy of permanently maintaining a warship in Samoan waters.