H.MS. BASILISK AT NEW GUINEA.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 149, 24 June 1874, Page 2

H.MS. BASILISK AT NEW GUINEA.

An account of the surveying cruise of H.M.S, Basilisk at New G-uinea appears in the Sydney Morning Herald from which we take the following extract:—" At Lydia Island we anchored, and a clear passage across intoGoschen Straits was found, the narrowest part being a mile in breadth. This port was regularly surveyed by the boats. From Lydia the ship proceeded across towards D'Entracasteaux Islands. Found these Islands well cultivated and rich in soil, with numerous villages, and a large population. The ship was anchored in Dawson's Strait to the north of Normanby Island. This group comprises three large islands, which we named Normanby, Fergußson, and Goodenougb. The natives were friendly disposed toward us. The steam pinnace and whaler, with Captain Moresby and myself, went about 180 miles round the coast of these islands. On the north side of Fergusson Island we found beautiful waterfallsjind boiling springs of water coming out of the carth — quite boiling enough to cook eggs; and it spems so strange that on this side we came across no natives, or formation of coral, or cocoanut trees— l should say on account of these springs. We were away six days from the ship at these islands; brought off great quantities of sago and arrowroot, yams, and pigs. They have large rude places, regularly built to make the sago. The natives hare are armed with spears, wooden swords, and they use slings, which latter they use very well in firing at a mark. The natives traded with us without the least fear, but were fully armed on our first arrival. Before we had communication with (hem a large party of epearemen kept separate from the main body (ready to act if they were required) until they found out our peaceful intentions, They throw these spears very true, which they showed us. From these islands we steamed across towards the north const of New Guinea, and coasted it towards the East Cape, from then to the east extent of D'Entracasteaux Island, Cape Ventenant. This is a very fine group of Islands well cultivated, and with numerous villages; we remained three days. The natives here were friendly disposed towards us; we obtained yams and a few pigs. During our stay the nntives of the island were on the point of going to war against those of another. It appears that some of the natives had been stealing yams from one another; they made signs to ua that they were going to fight the other people. Sure enough next morning, as we steamed out, we saw a large body of-war canoes assembled, about fifty ia number.

Evidently they meant mischief. We could not remain on account of the ship beiDg oa the way to Possession Bay to meet the coal ship there. It is very clear that these islanders fight amongst themselves, as we saw numerous natives' with spear wounds. The uatives about Possession Bay are great thieves; we had a liLtle experience when we were up hero last time. The schooner Sandfly found them out as well. It appears that they were on shore waterinpr, when the natives stole three baricoes for carrying water. On our arrival a party landed from the schooner next morning and seized two Datives. Thoy had a regular scuffle in getting them on board, the natives throwing stones at the men, the latter firiug their revolvers over them. The next day the frienJs of the two natives came alongside of the schooner and brought off a large pig and yams; but it waß ahown to the natives that the barieoes were the things wanted. Next day the natives brought back the staves of the baricoes, but not the iron hoops; they did not get their friends, but on the following day they came back with the staves and iron hoops, and the two men were released. It has done come good. A native stole a saw from the barque Reconnaissance, and the same forenoon' was brought back to the vessel by the chief of the village where it had been taken. The little steam pinnace had done wonders since our arrival in New Guinea; it has steamed close on 1,200 miles of soundings. We have done more in six weeks than we could have done in six months had wo been without the pinnace, as the schoDner was perfectly useless to us on account of the light winds and variable ones.