The Natives Chastised.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 216, 20 August 1887, Page 2

The Natives Chastised.

Advices received at Towns ville from Port Moresby give particulars of the punishment of the perpetrators of the recent massacre at the Heath River. The expedition was despatched by the Hon. John Douglas, and included Messrs E. A. Edelfeldb, K. Hunter, "W. B. Livesey, Mulholland, and six islanders. At' B a.m. on June 24 the party left the mouth of the Edelfeldt River for Letuarie, and arrived there about sunrise next morning, and advanced through the village. The natives fled and concealed themselves in the thick scrub, and showered arrows on the attacking party, many of them having narrow escapes. The natives followed them 10 the edge of the river, but the natives were driven back to the scrub by the five from the Winchester rifles. They afterwards returned, said they did not wish to fight anyone, would nob again molest white people, and said plenty of their people had been killed. They brought pigs in token of friendship. The expedition then returned to Motu Motu. Another expedition was made to the village of Morevei, which was deserted by the natives. A few of the principal houses were destroyed, and the expedition having satisfied themselves that sufficient punishment, had been meted out, returned to Port Moresby.