SAMOA : THE NATIVE WAR

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 216, 18 June 1872, Page 3

SAMOA : THE NATIVE WAR

Our (D. S. Cross ) own correspondent, writing from Matautu, Upolu, Samoa, on date March 11, says :—“The Samoan natives are now fighting amongst themselves. A party of nalives have been engaged for some time in deadly strife close to my fence ; which of course is far from pleasant. The halls are whistling over our heads all day long, but luckily no white man has yet been hit. Every now and again the big gun belonging to one of the contending parties booms forth its iron messenger —much to the consternation of the opposing force for the time being. They must expend a considerable amount of powder if wc may judge from the loud report and heavy concussion which takes place. Like the Maoris, noise is evidently of more importance with them than actual hitting. Mrs and child, also all the women and children belonging to the place, are safely housed in a fortified room in the big house. The natives, it must he said, so far have paid great attention to the white people’s houses—two only having suffered any damage. Captain Hayes has been caught in Apia harbour, was tried by the captain of the U.S. s. Narragansett, and after a trial of two days discharged, there not being enough evidence to convict him : so Captain Ilayea is himself again. “ LATEST FROM THE SEAT OF WAR. “ As I close my letter, I hear that the Savaii natives nave lost four men and 32 wounded, and Upolu have lost 17 men and 8G wounded, besides women and children cut to pieces.”