MUTINY ON THE AGNES DONALD. Two Natives Attempt to Take the Vessel.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 87, 31 January 1885, Page 6

MUTINY ON THE AGNES DONALD. Two Natives Attempt to Take the Vessel.

!Mr Harry Gkeensuie&ds, who was on ! board the Auckland schooner Agnes I Donald during an attempt made by two natives to murder the crew and run away [ with the vessel, arrived here by the Arawata to-day. We now learn that the Agnes Donald was at the timo on a voyage from this port to Fiji. Captain Hay ward was in charge, and there were also on board Mr Greenshields and two other Europeans, besides two natives. At eight o'clock in the evening, when all the white men excepting the cook were below, and the latter had charge of the wheel, and the ve&sol going at an average rate of speed, the two natives made an attempt .to carry their murderous design Into execution. Mr Greenshields was going on deck from below, when one of the natives struck him ' a severe blow on the head with an iron bar. Those remaining below heard the noise of the assault, and rushed on deck, but without any weapons. Captain Haywood was immediately attacked by a native, who stabbed him several times in diflerent parts of the body. The cook left the wheel to render assistance, and during a struggle which ensued, one native fell overboard, , and was drowned, and the other was ovorpowered. On arrival of tho vessel at Fiji, the native was tried for the grave offences he had committed, and escaped with seven days' imprisonment. Captain Haywood and others have recovered from their injuries, but it is evident that they had a narrow escape of their lives.