FIGHTING AT THE SOUTH SEA ISLANDS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IV, Issue 135, 11 June 1869, Page 2

FIGHTING AT THE SOUTH SEA ISLANDS.

THE BRITISH FLAG TORN DOWN. By the arrival of the schooner Kate G^rant on June 3, we learn that some serious disturbances have taken place amongst the natires of the Samoa group. Most of the inhabitants are anxious to have a chief over the whole of the islands, two of which put forward a claim for one of their men to fill the office. The islands of Lavaii, Maneno, and Opulu are concerned in the dispute, and about 600 men altogether are under arms. The first engagement tool? place at Apia ? on the

Ist of April, when 70 natives were killed* the heads of all the wounded beiag cut off at the close of the fight. The flag of the British consul was hauled down and torn in pieces, but no Europeans were molested. The fighting was still going on when the Kate Giant left, and Mr. Williams, the consul, had despatched a letter to Sydney by a bri? bound for that placo, requesting the assistance of a man-of-war. The day before the schooner left, Mr. Firth, the missionary stationed at Saluafata, came in to Apia to complain of the conduct of the natives living at that station, who have assumed a most threatening attidude, and have taken up their abode iu the chapel, in spite of all remoustrances. The hurricanes which proved so destructive at the Fiji group passed over the Samoa group on the 16th March, by which a saw-mill belonging to Mr. Williams was destroyed, and a number of native houses at Tonga blown, down. — Weekly Neivs.