RETRIBUTION AT LINE ISLANDS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XI, Issue 244, 5 October 1876, Page 4

RETRIBUTION AT LINE ISLANDS

Amongst our items of news from the South Seap, per Epheray, we hear of severe retribution on the Line Islanders, at Apang, one of the Gilbert Group, oae of whom committed a cold-blooded murder sorae months ago, and which we have already recorded. The Bavage entered the store of a while setfcier and asked for some hair oil. On bein^ told that there was Done in stock, be answered that the storekeeper (\lr Keys) should have reserved some for him. After a few more words he presented a revolver aud deliberately shot Mr Keys, the wound proving fatal. The ruffian then decamped, and fearing vengeancp, escaped to another island. The coldblooded aqd wanton murder being noised abroad, H.M.S. Renard was sent to search for the murderer; but until lately he has eluded all vigilance. In June last the Renard was at Apang, and hearing that the man was on tbe island, a message was sent to the missionary (Mr Taylor), demanding bis surrender. Through the influence of the missionary tbe man wan given up. There being no doubt as to his identity, he wbs ordered to be executed summarily. The mode of capital punishment was very simple. He was blown from a gun, and so complete was his destruction by this means that nothing remained of him but hie legs. Although retribution has been somewhat tardy on account of tbe difficulties experienced in capturing the man, the natives are thus warned that life must not be sacrificed witb impunity. Tiiere is still danger to both the missionary an<i trader in this group The schooner Lttvuka was lately chased by fifty large canoes full of natives, but throutfh~n favoiiug hreezn was able to escape. A one of the islands a pencil messnge written on the leaf of a book, was sent to Captiin Nicholson, apprising him ot the massacre of the boat'* crew of the Dincing Wave, end advising him to be cautious. In the case of the murder of Mr Keys, tbe decisive action of the captain of H.M.S. Renard will perhaps teach those untutored savages a wholesome lesson.