THE AFFRAY IN PAPUA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 62, 4 July 1914, Page 6

THE AFFRAY IN PAPUA.

FULL INQUIRY DEMANDED. JBx EIJKOTtIO TM.BQBAPH—OOPTEISHT pJmraD Fbem Amooiation.J (Received 10.45 a.m.) Sydney, July 4. Further, reports of the Papuan affray cabled on June 25th, show that the natives, who-were in a turbulent state for some time, committed an unprovoked attack upon Wililams, a planter, when passing the village in a launch. They also made preparations to murder the Rev. Mr Butcher and his wife, at the London Mission Station. In connection with the fight, Mr Butcher accuses the Papuan police of wanton excesses, especially in regard to bayonetting a woman, and he demands a full inquiry. A Melbourne cablegram dated June 25th stated: The Administrator ol -' Papua has cabled to Mr Glynn that a native' tribe on the Tokikori River, requiring Christian blood to christen new canoes, planned a massacre of the inmates of the mission station. The timely arrival of Patrol-officer Herbert and the native police upset the plans. Eight of the intending raiders were killed in a skirmish and four prisoners were taken. The Commissioner of Native Affairs is conducting a searching investigation. Herbert's party were attacked at night with spears and clubs. Two shots were fired over the heads of the Natives to frighten them and some of J;he Native police left,outside thereupon, without orders, opened fire before Herbert., could .stop them. Four men, two boys, a girl and a woman were killed.