MASSACRE ON BOARD A LABOR VESSEL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1517, 10 June 1886, Page 3

MASSACRE ON BOARD A LABOR VESSEL.

The Hobart papers by the Doric contain the following telegram from Brisbane: — “ The schooner Young Dick, which bos arrived at Moryboro’, reported that a desperate conflict with natives occurred at Malajta Island on May 20ib, resulting in the deal h of about 15 persons, including Mr Pophain, Government agent, Marlin, the cook, the sailmaker, a recruit, and about a dozen natives. While the Captem and two boats’ crews Were ashore recruiting, about 50 natives

with their tomahawks concealed in yam* and leares boarded tho vessel in canoes, ostensibly to recruit, and, at a signal given by the chief, the entire party attacked the crew. The mule, Auuir, tlaviv eh' Lis us_-ui.oii.B, and s ized the firearms on beard, and successfully defended himself from the half-closed door of the cabin. A seaman named Outtenden, who was asleep below, hastened on deck with arms and encountered the natives. He then ascended the foretop and shot dawn s number of savages, and forced them to retreat. Ho then deoended and released the mate, whose rifle was broken, and who was incapable of further fight. He also shot another savage whom he found in the agent’s cabin. They then armed the recruits, numbering fourteen, with tomahawks, and were prepared to resist a second attack which was threatened, but did not come off. On the captain’s return to the vessel an awful scene of carnage met his view. Four white men were hacked to pieces, and their brains were spattered about the deck. Mr Popham was lying in his cabin with pen and paper in his hands, and his head split open. One recruit, who joined in the assistance, and five natives who were shot, were lying about the deck. Marr and Cut'enden aver that they shot many others, who went overboard. The bodies from the vessel were buried at sea, and the Young Dick then sailed home. The trig Janet Stewart was attacked successfully and looted at the same place and by the same tribe five years ago.