CRUISE OF H.M.S. SANDFLY.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 177, 2 January 1875, Page 4

CRUISE OF H.M.S. SANDFLY.

(Fro?n the Sydney Empire, Deo. 11.)

H.M. schooner Sandfly, one gun, Lieutenant Howell, which arrived yesterday evening, is one of the vessels built for the suppression of the slave trade in the South Sea Islands. Her proceedings have beet of a somewhat eventful nature. Those, however, relating to her engagement with the Santa Cruz natives, also the murder of the crew of the Lapwing, we published a few weeks since. The vessel's arrival confirms the particulars then recorded. The Sandfly commenced her cruise on the 2nd July, on which date she cleared Sydney Heads, proceeded to Norfolk Island, thence to Anetium and Havannah harbor, but nothing of importance took place till reaching Tapoua on the 14th September in quest of water. A large number of canoes came off on the 17th, but brought no trade. The natives were friendly, and offered the crew inducement to go on shore. A watering party landed, being accompanied by some of the natives, and searched for water, but found none. Early in the afternoon, when most of the crew were below, the natives commenced firing arrows at those on deck. Orders were at once given to get ready to repel the attack. A few shots were discharged, and they dispersed, many taking to the water and deserting their canoes, 20 of which were destroyed, and two villages fired. On the 20th September the island of San*a Cruz was being approached, and extreme caution was exerc sed, as the treacherous and warlike nature of its inhabitants were known. Canoes fully manned came out to meet the vessel. The largest canoe pulled astern, and made signs for a rope to tow with the schooner. They appeared annoyed at not getting one, and became impatient. At half-past 10 a.m. anchored in 14 fathoms, 200 yards from shore, and inside Carlisle reef. Natives came off in great numbers, many of them bringing pigs, cocoanuts, &c, which they gave in exchange for articles of trade. Several canoes, however, were well armed, and they began to get very thick round the schooner. It was noticed that the boys were all swimming for the shore, and as the natives were detected uncovering their bows and arrows, it was thus surmised that they meant mischief. The marines got their rifles on the after-deck, taking care to keep them out of sight. The natives, who thronged the gunwale in great numbers, were becoming noisy and insolent. A blank shot was fired from the ship's gun, but had little effect in frightening them. At a quarter-past 11 a.m. the natives opened fire with poisoned arrows. Lieutenant Howell discharged his revolver at the leading native, and gave the order to his men to commence firing, which the crew responded to with deadly aim. In an instant the natives were panic-stricken. Those on the vessel's gunwale either fell or jumped into the sea, many of them dead, others wounded and struggling for the shore. The canoe's crew were so astonished at the effect of the rifle shots that they jumped overboard, and struck out for the shore. During the short time the engagement lasted, about thirty natives were killed; the majority escaped into the bush. The Sandfly lowered her boats, and the crews spent the afternoon in destroying all the abandoned canoes, some of which were very large, and set fire to two of the natives' villages. In the evening hoisted-in the boats, and kept a good watch in case of another attack. On September 21st proceeded on shore for water, taking a war rocket in the boat, and fired at random into the bash. The watering party managed to get a supply under cover of the rifles of another boat. On the 22nd watering the ship continued, filliug the casks. The bush was thick with natives, and a few shots were fired to keep them off. Also threw a shell from the gun on deck. After the boats had left, at a quarter-past 3 p.m., saw the natives at the ruins of their village. One of their number came down to the beach, and fired two arrows at the vessel. In return for this a shell was lodged in their midst, and they at once scampered off for the bush. They were not again visible till the 23rd, when they came on to the beach, but a few rifle shots soon dispersed them. On the 24th left for Havannah harbour, then went to Cherry Island. The natives of this place were friendly, and were fine stalwart men ; one of them was weighed, and turned 2801 b. With regard to the massacre of the Torture (late Lapwing), there are but few additional particulars. A native, and a Mr Taylor—the master of the cutter—escaped, but the latter died two days afterwards from wounds received. The schooner called at Api Island on the 20th August. At this place a boat's crew of the Zephyr had been murdered and eaten some time since. An attempt was made to get the perpetrato's of the crime. As this failed, the village was shelled. When the schooner was leaving Havannah harbour, on the 23rd ultimo, the loss of the American schooner Hallie Jackson was reported as having taken place at Santo. The crew reached Havannah Harbour.