200 MEN KILLED FOR PLUNBERING.

Patea Mail, 28 August 1882, Page 3

200 MEN KILLED FOR PLUNBERING.

An English journal says a serious affair has occurred at Martio, west coast of Africa. The natives of that town having plundered a boat belonging to the people of Bunthe Island, where the British Government offices are stationed, were visited by the Bunthe police. Byambia, the chief of Martio, refused to allow any of his people to be arrested, and fired upon the police, who had to retire. The circumstance was reported by the commandant to Governor Havelock at Sierra Leone who with his suite and 25 of the Sierra Leone police, promptly left for Sherbro in the steamer Prince of Wales , which was accompanied by H.M.S. Foam. Arrived at York Island a detachment of 50 blue jackets, 25 Sierra Leone police, and 15 Bunthe police were sent forward in launches of light draught. The force had penetrated close to the town of Martio, when a fusilade was opened upon them from the bush. The fire was returned and a general encounter ensued. The natives were compelled to retire with a loss, it is said, of 200 men killed. On the British side no fatalities occurred, though several men were wounded. The latest information from the district in question is that an attempt to retaliate will be made, the Martio people threatening an attack upon the town of Bendo. This place is being for titled in consequence by the white traders and the natives. News from Bonny states that the blockade continues and trade is consequently at a minimum. In New Calabar trade is at a standstill.