Second Edition. THE AMBYRM DISASTER.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 21, 24 January 1914, Page 6

Second Edition. THE AMBYRM DISASTER.

CHARGES AGAINST FRENCHMEN.

[By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [UNITED Press association.]

Sydney, January 2.'?. The Rev. McGowan, convenor of the Presbyterian Foreign Missions Committee, lias issued a lengthy offic-

ial statement with reference to the* rescue of the natives during the Ambrym eruption. According to this account. Dr. Howie, and the party of missionaries who were engaged in the rescue, saw it number of natives on the French steamer La France’s boat beckoning to them, and when they approached the boat they wore told that'the natives were being taken aboard the La France, lint were refused information as to where the

natives were goings Several natives left the La France’s boat and came

aboard Dr. Bowie’s, at bis invitation. A French official and other Frenchmen then interfered and prevented the others from leaving, and the

captain of tlio vessel turned the hose ''on ihc missionaries. The junior officer of the La France used a hottie, which did duty for n rowlock, to drive the missionaries off. Dr. Bowie said lie warned the natives not to go aboard the La France.

It is further alleged that the La France was never inside the danger zone, and did not rescue a single native.

Dr. Bowie says he subsequently conferred with the English and

French resident commissioners,- who

jointly agreed that the rescued natives in the missionaries’ care should be allowed to return to their friends, and no more recruiting allowed at Port Sandwich, whore the refugees remained under a police guard.

FRENCH VIEW OF THE RECRUITING INCIDENT.

(Received 10.5 a.m.) Sydney, January 24

Extracts from the log of the captain of the steamer La Franco, published in the Noumean papers covering the Ambrym incident, state that the natives were asked if they wanted to board the La France and be conveyed safely to Port Sandwich. They accepted readily and 'commenced embarking. Suddenly two launches with white people aboard, and quite unknown to the crew of the La France, appeared on the scene and incited the natives to leave the La France. '

A little scene followed, and notice was. given to Dr. Bowie and bis associates not to interfere. Upon their refusal to desist, they were threatened with a sprinkling. .they did not budge, the steamer's pump was put into action, and. Dr. Bowie and bis associates wore copiously drenched. Also it is alleged Dr. Bowie dragged natives from the La France’s boat and told them the La France was recruiting for Noumea. The French claim that the La France rescued 171 natives from danger.