THE AFFRAY IN PAPUA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 63, 6 July 1914, Page 6

THE AFFRAY IN PAPUA.

JJBt Electric Telegraph—Copyright [[United Feebb Abbooiatton.J (Received 10.45 a.tn.) 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 Williams, a planter, when passing the village in a launch. Thev 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 ho demands' a full inquiry. -

A Melbourne cablegram dated June 25th stated: The Administrator of Papua has cabled to Mr Glynn that a native tribe on the Tokikori River, requiring Christian blood to christen hfew 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 weie attacked at night with spears and clubs. Two shots were fired over the heads of the Natives to frighten them and some of the Native police left outside thereupon, without orders, opened fire before Wthhff"could stop them. Four men, two boys, a girl and a woman were killed.