THE DOUGLAS MAWSON TRAGEDY.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 July 1924, Page 1

THE DOUGLAS MAWSON TRAGEDY.

PARTIES TO SEAKCII FOB WOAIEX

iCHTRALIAN AND N.Z. CAULfi ASSOCIATION. (Deceived this day at. 2 a.in.) MELBOURNE*:, July 20. Reports received hv the Federal Authorities give some conlirmation of the Douglas Alawsnn story. Doctor Wade, the leader ol the mining party wlui recently were exploring in the vicinity of he allaged murders, informed the Ad miiiistrator that at three places on the coast he heard from the blacks of the Wvrcck of a big ship, the massacre of the men. and the kidnapping of the two women. In view of this strong parties are being sent out. both on sea and land, to investigate and search for the women vho are alleged to lie held captive by the native.-. The uali\c» ol the (list riel are alleged to he wild savages even cannibals. At various times ill recent, years, it is stated, they have murdered the crews of fishing boats, looted vessels and attacked and murdered the whites visiting the district. Others well acquainted with the district. and the black's ami their habits are inclined to discredit the story. They point out that the Douglas ALawstui was wrecked in .March. 11*23. Since then a number of ships have visited the vicinity and boon in conminiiicnliiiu with the blacks. J( the story is true it must have leaked out long before, this particularly, through the missionary station on the adjoining Island, which is in oonstanL touch with the blacks, yet the missionaries have never heard anything in cuiilirmation thereof. Tiny also sav the native., are not savage as represent ei I. The crew of the Douglas Alawsoll consisted of thirteen men. Air and Alls Willett and their live children were passengers and it is thought probably the other woman mentioned was the stewardess.

SISAHCII. PARTIES TO UK DESPATCHED. MELBOIRXK. July L>(). In view <jl' ilu fact tluifc reports of the Douglas Miyv.son story have licen ivicivccl from Independent sources tlie Federal authorities have decided on a lull investigation ami has authorised the administration of the Northern Territory to immediately organise and despatch strong search parties.