CRUISE OF THE ‘ROSARIO.’

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 113, 19 February 1872, Page 3

CRUISE OF THE ‘ROSARIO.’

REPORTED REVENGE FOR PATTE* SON’S DEATH UNTRUE.

11.M.5. ‘Rosario’ arrived at Sydney on February 8. On the 19th of October last she sailed from that port on a cruise amongst the various islands on the Southern Pacific, for the purpose of inquiring into and redressing many stated grievances. Her first place of call was Norfolk Island, and there, Commander Markham was informed of the murder of Bishop Patteson. Tiie next port made was Havannah Harbour, ono of the New Hebrides, looking in at Nguna, Apia, and Cherry Islands. At the latter place lie remained two days, where communication was established with the natives, and inquiries instituted respecting the reported murder of some white traders, but no satisfactory information was obtained ; she then sailed for Nukapn, Santa Cruz Group, arriving on the 2'Jtli November. This was the scene of the murder of Bishop Patteson and the Rev. Mr Aitkin, but although every inducement was bold out the natives remained aloof, and would hold no communication, she then proceeded to Cape Paterson, arriving on the Gtli December. Here the Natives proved most friendly. On the following day tin* ‘ Rosario’ left for Espirito Santo, and made the Island on the 15th, and t;. boats’ crews landed at a village nameii Bassalai, where it was known that C.vo men belonging to the schooner ‘Wdd Duck’ bad been killed. The natives took to the fastnesses of the mountains, b..' their settlement was burnt. The next place visited was Manikolo, which was reached on the 24th December. II

again, the natives proved most hospital and readily bartered such supplies as i island afforded. The cruise was tin continued among the islands of the New Hebrides and Banks’ Group, and the ‘ Rosario’ finally sailed for New Caledonia, leaving Noumea on the 20th ultimo. From thence the passage has been made under canvas. The only casualties during the cruise have been the death of one seaman and the severely wounding of a second, caused by an attack made by the natives of Havannah Harbour on a landing party, the particulars of which have already been reported.