Exploration in New Guinea. MASSACRE OF SEAMEN. AUSTRALIAN NEWS. (Per s.s. Te Anau.)

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 222, 1 October 1887, Page 3

Exploration in New Guinea. MASSACRE OF SEAMEN.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS. (Per s.s. Te Anau.)

Latest advices from Port Moresby stato that a fearful tragedy has occurred at Orangei ie Bay. The cutter Cecelia, which left here on July Ist aa ith Messrs Gustav Riccius, T Heeran and William Ha nsen, left Lizard It-land on July 18th, and arrived on the coa-t of New Guinea on the 23rd, eventually making Orangerie Bay on the 26th. The nati\ es came off in canoes-,, and appeared friendty, but suddenly attacked the boat, killing 1 Heeran and Hanson, and desperately wounding Riccius, who was thrown overboard and bwam ashore. He was eventually rescued by Captain Ah Gim, who discovered his whereabouts fiom the nativ es and took him to Port Moresby. The victims were naturalised British subiects. The steamer Ottillie arri\ed hereto-day from Fin-ehaven. She reports that when visiting Hattrfelt Haven, the natives attacked the vessel, were repulsed and followed by a btrong landing party, who pursued them. After landing, a desperate fight endued, the natives being beaten and losing several killed ana wounded. The Germans* burnt two v illages and destroyed eveiythii'g \aluable they could find. The Hon. John Douglas left Port Moresby on September Ist for Dinner Island, to meet Admiral Fairfax and ai range the proclamation of the sovereignty. Mr Cuthbertson's expedition had reached 35 miles ftom Kappa Kappa, and -was engaged i utting a load thiough the jungle to Mount OBrien, six miles distant. He had not i cached Hunter and Haitsman's farthest party, who were all well, and had received every assistance in the shape of horses, &.C., from the Special Commissioner.