Second Edition. Papuan Expedition.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 28 December 1911, Page 3

Second Edition. Papuan Expedition.

SERIOUS CHAItGES,

[by electric telegraph-copyright.]

LP«R PRESS ABHucunus.] (Received This Day *0.30 «. m.) MELBOURNE, TETDay. Remarkable statements are published of Mr Staiiiforth Smith's ' expedition in search of coal fields in Papua. Papuan officials and the department are greatly concerned as a result of the expedition, particularly over the treatment or native carriers. After reading Mr Smith's reports and evidence at the inquest 011 dead carriers, the Acting-Minis-ter administered a. severe rebuke to Mr Smith, expressing surprise at his proceedings. The locality, he points out Avas reported to contain coal fields. The fact that only a. small quantity of rice was taken for the natives' food was a mistake. If the expedition had had a good supply it would have been better for physical conditions to withstand hardships. Another serious matter was beating the carriers for stealing when the pangs of hunger were strong upon them. It came as a shock to learn that tlbey had been treated in such a manner. The evidence of the native policeman states that owing to inability to Pint] sago the carriers became thin and weak and unfit for work. "When the raft capsized they were drowned because thhe.v were too weak to swim. Mr Smjth stated that the frilly beating given was for stealing from native gardens which endangered the parties to a. (hostile outbreak.