SAMOAN NEWS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1796, 29 September 1888, Page 1

SAMOAN NEWS.

Sydney, Septembers?.

The latest files to hand show that bard fighting has taken place between the adherents of Malietoa, the deposed King of Samoa, and those of Tamasese. The latter have Buffered an overwhelming defeat, and Apia -has been occupied by the opposing force, who hare elected Matafa King of Samoa, Capt, Leary, of an American warship, proeßedfld*..aahore and interviewed the supporters of the riow'ypleotetjKing, warning them not to interfere with the lives of the white people or in any way to destroy their property. The natives assured; Captain Leary that if a native was detected attempting the life of foreigners be wonld be beheaded. On September 12th Matafa, with a force of 500 natives, attached the Government soldiers at Matantan, near Apia. Daring the engagement stray ballets struck vessels in the harbor, and one of the crew of the warship Alder was wounded in the jaw. The Government force were driven into the sea, where they ware shot down without mercy. The Tamasese party in boats came to the assistance of the itroops, and kept np a sharp fire on , their -opponents ashore, bat at last were compelled to retire. Daring the night of the 12th Matafa made an attack on one of the most strongly fortified positions of Tamasese, which be captured. The defenders of the fort made a plucky resistance, and it is computed that they lost between 50 and 60 men in the engagement. The followers of Tamasese have withdrawn to Mulinui Point, which is occupied by German sailors and marines* -Captain Bissett, of the schooner Yindes, while proceeding to the British Consulate, was struck on the head by a stray bullet and killed instantly, An attack on Mulinui Point by the followers; of Matafa is believed to be imminent. When the Lubeck left five German warships were 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 in 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 latter are being attended to by surgeons from the German and American warships.