THE MISSING EXPLORERS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 246, 23 February 1911, Page 5

THE MISSING EXPLORERS

REPORT FROM THE NATIVES.

•' WIPED OUT." ' By Cable —Press Association—Copyrignt. Melbourne, February 22. The Minister of External Affairs lias received the following telegram from Papua: "A report from Daru yesterday states that the Mcrrie England, at Sanguan, was informed that the whole Governor's party had been wiped out with the exception of two carriers, who returned to Goaribari. This requires confirmation, but the informant, who is a most reliable official, adds that he fears ■ it is true."

Mr. Atlee Hunt received a letter from Judge Herbert expressing the opinion that" the march contemplated by Mr. Smith- would preclude him reaching the coast earlier than February 21. The letter was/ written after he learned that Mr. Smith intended to essay an overland journey to the upper reaches of the Fly river. . NATIVES' TALE DISBELIEVED. "GREATEST LIARS ON EARTH." jßeeeived 23, 8.20 p.m. Sydney. February 22. \ Mr. Donald Mackay, a New Guinea explorery and; the discoverer of the coal seams which Mr. Smith's expedition intended to examine, strongly opposes the idea of a massacre. Pratt and Bell, he says, are experienced explorers, thoroughly acquainted with native habits, and would give them no chance to attack. He places no reliance on the natives' reports of a massacre, saying that these natives are the greatest liars on the face of the earth, and that no New Guinea man would take any notice of them. What had happened was doubtless that the expedition had met unfavorable conditions generally, and wokld turn up safely.

THE ANXIETY CONTINUES. "•>'„ STILL NO NEWS. "" Received 23, 1.10 a.m. ' Melbourne, February 22. The Department of External Affairs is advised that the steamer Merrie England has returned for stores and additional, police and carriers, and reports that there is absolutely no news of Mr. Staniforth-Smith's party since December 7. Several search parties are out.