A MISSING PARTY

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10172, 23 February 1911, Page 5

A MISSING PARTY

I CABLE NEWS

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph — Copyright.

REPORTED MASSACRE.

THE REPORT DISCREDITED

(Received February 22, 10 a.m.)

MELBOURNE, February 22

Mr Batchelor, i<'ederal Minister for External Affairs, has received the following telegram from Papua: —"A report from Daru yesterday states that the vessel Merrie England, while at Tanguan, was informed that the whole of the 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 lie fears it is true."

Mr Atlec Hunt, Secretary to the, Department of External Affairs, has ' received a letter from Judge Herbert expressing the opinion that the march contemplated by Mr Smith and party would preclude him from { reaching (the coast earlier than 21st February. The letter was written after he had. learned that Mr Smith ] intended to essay the overland jom--ney to the upper reaches of 'the Fly River. . >r-/.: : '. - -

(Received Last Night, 8.20 o'clock.) '*:-:■_■ SYDNEY, February 22. Mr Donald MacKay, a New Guinea explorer, and the discoverer of the coal seams which Mr Smith's expedition intended to examine, strongly opposes the idea that the party was massacred. Messrs Pratt and Bell, two experienced 'explorers., thoroughly acquainted witli native habits, state thai the Natives* would have no chance of making an attack. They place no reliance on the natives' reports of the massacre. . The natives, they say, are the greatest liars 'on the face of the earth. No New Guinea maai would take any notice of them. In their opinion, what happened Jto the expedition was that they encountered unfavourable conditions generally. They firmly believe that the party will turn up safely.

SEARCH PARTIES OUT,

Received This Morning, 1.10 o'clock: MELBOURNE, February 22. The Department of External Affairs has been advised that the steamer Merrie England has returned, for stores, and additional police and carriers. There has been absolutely no news of Mr Staniforth party since December 7th. Several search parties are out.