AN ADVENTURE IN THE SOUTH SEAS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 63, 15 March 1871, Page 2

AN ADVENTURE IN THE SOUTH SEAS.

(Fromjhe Australasian, Mark 4.) \ What romance could be more thrilling than the real adventures of the Mai ion Renny among the Line Islands in the South Seas, commanded by Mr. Rae, and having on board three Avhite men, and several Rotumah, Sandwich, and Fijian natives ? This vessel proceeded from Levuka in November, upon a " cheap labor" — that is, a slavery expedition. Upon anchoring uear Anouda, a message was brought on boa^d that plenty of natives were willin^to leave that island, and Captain Rae Avas n&t slow to avail himself of this welcome news. As he was getting over the side the next day to go ashore in a boat, accompanied by four Rotumah boys and a Sandwich man, the mate suggested that he. sbouhl take his revolver — no doubt mindful <$ jthe fact that the Marion had had her crew massacred in the same waters twice previously. But Captain Rae r=ef ; used, saying that he had been at the island before, and the natives all knew him. Just as he started shorewards, two canoes, each carrying about a dozen natives, put off in the direction of the schooner. Upon landing, Captain Rae and his companions were attacked by the natives, while the vessel was simultaneously assailed by the islanders in the cauoes. Captain Rae was not actually seen murdered, yet there can be little doubt as to his fate ; of those on board the schooner, the mate aud another white man were killed at once, and the rest seriously injured. There remained on board two whites and four Fijiaus, who slipped the anchor and put out to sea, bufc many days had not elapsed when a quarrel took place between the white raeD. One, who had apparently become insane, shot the other dead, and he was hurriedly thrown overboard by the four Fijiaus, the only survivors left to tell the tale. While deeply regretting the fate of Captain Rae aud his assistants — Captain Rae's refusal to arm himself shows that he, at all events, contemplated no violence either offensive or defensive — we cannot overlook the fact . that they were engaged in au expedition ( both lawless and inhumane. Subjected to brutality from the whites, the islanders have at length been goaded into retaliation, and in their blind fury they -make no distinction between friend or foe. Saviges have their/ own notions of liberty and vengeance 'like any other men. The message received on board was evidently a ruse so as to divide the crew, and render them a more easy prey. We are not suprised to learu that Mr. Rae's friends contemplate a bitter revenge, but perhaps we ought to wonder the Australian Governments take no steps to suppress the infamous traffic which is the cause of all the mischief.