NATIVE OUTRAGE IN RARATONGA HARBOUR.

Kumara Times, Issue 3132, 17 November 1886, Page 3

NATIVE OUTRAGE IN RARATONGA HARBOUR.

PUNISHMENT OF THE NATIVES,

[united press association.]

Auckland, November 13,

Arrived, the Island mail steamer Janet Nichol with a cargo of oranges and other fruits. She brings news of native outrages having occurred on board the Auckland schooner Jessie Nichol on the 24th August, while at anchor in Raratonga harbour. At 11 p.m, a gang of natives boarded the schooner and began to annoy the crew. The cook was on shore. The son of the captain was first attacked and rendered unconscious by a blow on the head and brutally kicked. Captain Short and the crew rushed on deck, but being without weapons and greatly outnumbered they were separated and all badly maltreated. Makea Tane, King of Atiau, and Consort of Queen Makea, of Raratonga, was with the natives and incited them to the outrage, shouting out “Kill the white pigs !” This King visited Auckland last year, and was entertained at Government expense. After doing a lot of damage, and purloining some of the stores, the natives went ashore and had a feast.

A complaint was laid before the British Counsul at Raratonga, who fined Maketane 200 dollars, and ordered him to find substitutes for tho several injured men, who hsd to be left ashore. The cook’s condition is so critical that his depositions were taken, but he has since recovered.

H.M.S, Pelican has visited the Group, and compelled the payment of the fine. The captain also exacted a fine of 300 dollars from the natives of Nutiriro Is'and, who in August last committed an outrage on the captain of the Auckland schooner Atlantic by tying him to a tree. Captain Short’s narrative has been obtained via Tahiti, but the Jessie Nichol is expected to arrive at Auckland shortly, When the steamer left Tahiti, Earl Dudley’s steam yacht was there en route for Auckland, Wellington, and Sydney,; also, Dr. Philip’s schooner yacht Brunhilda, which is expected to visit this colony.