Disposing of the Old Folk.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7958, 23 October 1905, Page 2

Disposing of the Old Folk.

Itcuter's Agency lias wived news of the progress of Major Powell Cotton, who left F.ngland last year on an expedition from the Nile to the Zambesi, which, it Was expected, would occupy alioul two years. The explorer has had a good deal oi trouble Willi his caravan, and news oi his movements has been delayed by the murder oi two of his native runnel's. At the middle or June Major Powell Cotton was in the Congo, and had reached Buni Camp, on the Mahagi lrumu Road. This district, which is at an elevaHon of (iOOOft., ami consists of lotting grass hilis, would, the explorer claims, make an ideial white man's 'grazing country. The streams and marshes are already bridged. Later intelligence announces the arrival of |hc expedition at lrumu. Major Powell Cotton has enjoyed exci'lknt sport and secured live elcphanis, including one of the largest tuskers on record, the ivory of which weighed :172 pounds. At the rwl of June ho was leaving [ o r the Stanley Forest. In one of his letters Major Powell Cotton days :—"On? of the Congo officials at Wadelai told me a ptrious story of how ttip natives in the vicinit'v dispose of the old folk when they become a burden. As soon as the iiilinnilues of old age crel'U on them they are given a soothing draught and' wrapped in a Svesli antelope, skin. Thus attired they are carried by members of their | family to a spot some distance fron, the village and are. abandoned in tile I grass close to a native track. The 1 first' fcafjtve passing' )i;y sees what) he | thinks is an antelope and spears it, whereupon the victim's family emi ergo from (heir hiding-place and ex- ; press horror and surprise at the unj fortunate incideiil," When last heard from, Maior PoevI 01 Cotton was in excellent iieajlli.