MALIETOA PARTY OCCUPY APIA. Sydney, September 27.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 304, 3 October 1888, Page 3

MALIETOA PARTY OCCUPY APIA. Sydney, September 27.

Arrived : 'The Lubeck, from Samoa, where she left on the 15th inst. Latent files to hand show that hard fighting has taken place between the adherents of Malietoa, the deposed King of Samoa, and those of Tamasese.' The latter have suffered overwhelm - ing defeat, and Apia has been occupied by the opposing force, who have elected Matafa X.ing ot Samoa. Captain Leary, of the American warship, proceeded ashore and in'eiviewed the supporters of the newly-elected king, warning them not to interfere with the lives oi the white people, or in any way to destroy their property. The natives assured Captain Leary that if any native was detected attempting the life of foreigners he would be beheaded. On September T2th Matafa, with a force of 500 natives, attacked the Government soldiers at Matun, near Apia. During the engagement siray bullets struck the vessels in the harbour, and one of the crew of the warship Adler was wounded in the jaw. The Government forces were driven into the sea, " where they w.ere shot down without mercy. The Taiuasese party in boats came to the assistance of the troops, and kept up a sharp fire on their opponents ashore, but at last were compelled to retire. During the night of the 12th Matafa made an attack on one of the most strongly fortified positions of Tamasese, which he captured. The defenders of the ,fort made a plucky resistance, and it is computed they losr between 50 and 60 men in the engagement. The Tamasese have withdrawn to Muhniu Point, which is occupied by German sailors and marines. Captain Bissetr, of the schooner Vindex, while' proceeding to the 'British Consulate, was struck on the head by a stray bullet, and killed instantaneously. An attack on Muliniu Point by the followers of Matafd was believed to be imminent. When the Lubeck left five German warships ~we.r t e expected daily at Apia. When the Lubeck left Apia, affairs there were quieting down, but fighting was taking place inland. The German authorities have taken no part iv the disturbance beyond protecting the property of German residents. • - Many private houses were riddled with bullets. It is estimated that the casualties were 90 killed and injured. The latttr are being attended to by surgeons from German and American wai ships.