Primitive Tribes.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 17 July 1914, Page 8

Primitive Tribes.

Dr. P. F. Hubrecht, a Dutch geologist and a. member of the Dutch expedition lately scaled the peak of Mount Wilhelinina, in Dutch New Guinea. They obtained, geological and other specimens which may furnish the missing link in the theory that Australia and the isles of New Guinea were once connected. The ascent of Mount Wilhelinina. had not previously been accomplished, and the expedition was successful in this and other matters only after its members had encountered many hardships among savage peoples who had never before seen a white man. The expedition comprised five whites assisted by about 150 natives, and was commanded by Captain Franssen Herdcrschee. A path had to be hewn through HO 'miles of jungle before the mountain could be climbed, and the heavy growth was infested by crocodiles and snakes in large numbers. Eventually, .however, after escaping disaster from the dangerous crevices, the explorers conquered the j topmast peak, and the Dutch flag j was hoisted 15,500 ft. above sea level. Dr. Hubrecht has in his possession photographs and speci- ! mens of plant and mineral life, ' which he believes will prove that in ages past Australasia and New Guinea were connected by a mountain range. He attaches the most in- ' terest, however, to the strange wild Papuan tribes encountered by the party. They were entirely primitive, wore no clothes, and used spears, bows, arrows, and clubs made completely of wood. On more than one occasion the explorers were attacked, but a few shots from rifles and revolvers always terrified the attackers, who fled before the white men's weapons.