WHERE DEATH LURKS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5222, 4 January 1928, Page 1

WHERE DEATH LURKS.

MAN-TRAPS IN THE SOLOMONSi.

TRICKS OF THE SAVAGES.

Man-traps are among the peculiar weapons with which the warriors of Bassianos village, in the Solomon Islands, will oppose the naval force from H.M.A.S. Adelaide, reported as moving on’the village to inflict punishment for the recent massacres of whites (writes Jack McLaren, in the “Daily Mail”). ’ , The traps are huge bows and arrows, strung back and aimed in readiness, careflully concealed in the, jungle bordering the narrow paths approach? ing the village. They are sprung by a piece of jungle-vine so placed across the path that anyone approaching compelled to thrusst it as’de in order, to pass on. The lightest touch iS‘ sufficient, and the arrows are So aimed as to get their victim in the chest. As jungle-vines stray everywhere acrosjs the paths the one which rep leases the death-deal'ng arrow is not noticeable.

Usually thq arrows are poisoned. I once had the, dreadful experience of seeing one of these traps sprung. The victim, one of my native porteirs, was struck in the shoulder, and in less than two hours, after terrible, agony, he was dead. Another trick of these savages is to bury spear and arrow heiads in the paths so that the needle-sharp points; will be just level with the surface and impale the enemy’s feet.

They are, courageous fighters, but’ cunning, and ambush is a favourite device. A common trick is to stand so covered with leaves and bushes; that to even the most expert bushmj&l’ they are indistinguishable; from the surrounding jungle r Sometimes they will do this in groups of a score or more. Another trick is to perch, concealed, in the trees beside the paths' and attack the enemy from above. Mass attacks are often made, with something approaching a military formation as we know it; but usually it is a kind of guerrilla warfare.; Large drums made from hollowed wood and the skins of animals, are beaten most of the . time, and there ds also a terrific yelling. Bit now and again there is a strange and menac-' ing silence, broken only by the-flick-: ing of spears and arrows through the foliage— 'a queer “flit-flit” sound that is like no other I know.

This kind of thing, coupled with the fact that they have, to make their, way over some of hhe- densest jungle-: clad mountain country in the world, will -make .the naval party’s task -M? easy one.