A Terrible Retribution.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 361, 20 April 1889, Page 4

A Terrible Retribution.

Oi'i'iciAL correspondence was publir-hed in London on the 18rh February, re-pecting the afiairs of Iho Gold Coast, ranging from 27th January to 31st Octobe-, 1888. Sir W. B. Griffith having revolted the despatch of an expeditionaiy foice under Mr Turfcon, in consequence of the contumacious attitude of the Chiet ot Wanki, with regard to a dispute between him&elt and King At tab Fuah, of Western Akim, Lord Knut^ford approved of the sti-ps taken, Sir \V. B. Griffith also reported that AbsistantItippector Dairy in pi o was murdeied at Taviovo on tho 11th of May, while mediating in a dispute botweon the people of the place and those of Kropi, and the success of operations against the Tavioves bubtiequently. On the 18fch ot June Assistant-In-spector Alters attacked Taviovo and scat teied the Tavievo& in all directions, captuiing the Kind's umbrella and everything belonging to the Tavieve people, including food and powder. On the 23rd of June the Tavieve people sent Mr Akers a flag ol truce, and in answer to his questions said that 167 lighting men that they knew of had been killed, exclusive of women and children. A number of women and children had been killed, and many had died of starvation and exposure. Sir W. B. Griffith remarks :— ' This is a tertible retribution, but there was no avoiding tho struggle for supremacy. Any hesitation as to taking prompt and energetic action in the ciicumstances which led to the lighting in Tavieve would have resulted disastrously to the colony ; while in the end, aevere measures would Btill have had to be resorted to, and at a far greater cost and probable loss of life on both sides. Much as 1 de- > ploro the loss of life, and especially the lives of women and children, I have no hesitation in declaring my opinion, which is shared by the members of the council, that thero was but one course for the Government to pursue in the position in which it was placed. That course has been followed, and its result will never be forgotten in Krepi, whilst it will be a warniug to other tribes, who previously would have been ready to give trouble at any moment, that their interest lies in loyal and dutiful obedience to the commands of tho Government,' Lord Knulsford replied, expressing entire approval of the action taken in tho various native complications. [n a further letter of 29th September, the Seciebary o£ State, while deploring the great loss of life incimed during the recent Tavieve expedition, expresses himself satisfied that the measures adopted were not more severe than the occasion required, and promising that he will be pleased to recommend any men who may be selected by the Govei nor as deserving of the medal for distinguished conduct which was granted to the soldiers.