NEW GUINEA MASSACRES.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 197, 2 April 1887, Page 8

NEW GUINEA MASSACRES.

Port Moresby, February IS. Wi are reminded occasionally that New Guinea is still outside the pale of civilisation, and that its people are cruel and savage. Here is a nice little chapter of horrors:— Not long ago some now dubus or sacred houses had to he consecrated at Motuniotu, co one of the chiefs went away for change of air, and presently returned with parts of 22 ears, which he had cut off from as many victims, Soon after the same people cut cff a party of their neighbours who were fishing, and killed 19, mostly women and children. Then Kalo in Hood Bay goes in for a iittledevilry. They are old enemies to Qaibo, an inland tribe, but peace was made between them and has been foreomo timeobserved. A party of Qwpoans carce in to a feast fit Kerepuni, and were waylaid bysomeycung men, from Kalo, and all killed. Nino altogether perished— two men, two women, and five children. Among the latter were two babies, and the wretches killed the little mitea by holding them under the water and drowning them like kittens. Then at Aroma a poor blind man was buried alive. Hia relatives tied a ropo round his neck and waist, and then dragged him to the burial-place, where, in spite of his cries and entreaties, they effected their purpose. On the same day a little illegitimate child shared the same fate. His mother left him in charge of her father, and when she came back at night he was gone. He, too, had been buried alive.

One of tfie most eloquent preachers of. this city tells a good joke at his own expense, aa follows : " When I was in Florida» last winter I preached to a negro congregation one Sunday, excusing myself from saying much on account of my poor health. The coloured minister in his closing prayer said : " Oh, good Lawd, bless our brothur L , who has preached to us in hes por©\ weak way.'" ,