DISCOVERIES IN PAPUA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11, 13 September 1913, Page 5

DISCOVERIES IN PAPUA.

TREACHEROUS NATIVES. By Eleutiuo Telegraph—Copyright ! [United Press Association.! Melbourne, September 12. Baker’s expedition ascending the Strickland river discovered a magnificent lake with a perimeter of fully a hundred miles. It has been named Lake Murray. There is much splendid country fit for occupation in the district, the cocoanuts being the largest ever seen whilst excellent sugar enne and tobacco are growing freely. The only drawback was the mosquitos, which, even in the bright sunlight, were simply maddening. He adds: “I crave indulgence for any irregularities in this report on that account.”

The expedition met large parties of natives whom Baker describes as a treacherous lot. They tried to inveigle them ashore and stop the progress of the expedition. On one occasion they steamed right into the middle of canoes carrying IbO warriors fresh from head hunting. It required a volley from the police to clear the way. None of the savages were hit. Shortly after they came upon the result of the head hunters’ vile work in the shape of fresh headless, armless and partly skinned trunks of women.