PUNISHMENT OF NATIVES IN THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 4129, 26 September 1883, Page 2

PUNISHMENT OF NATIVES IN THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Captain Caldek, of the steamer Gunga, , which arrived as Sydney from Noumea, reports the punishment of the natives j of Anbrynan Island, in the New Hebrides, ~ who, it will be remembered, shot two^ men of H.M.S. Dart while inquiring into the murder of Captain Belbin, of the■■...Borough Belle. One of these »«»•••• died 30 hours afterwards; the other petty officer was convoyed to Noumea, where he is progressing favonraJJiy.* .-, towards recovery. After this encounter Wltn g the natives, Lieutenant -Moore, the commander of the Dart, decided to adopt mat stringent precautions to take the islanders by surprise. The work being all arranged, the Dart steamed close to tho island during the night, and at an early hour in tne morning a boat with armed men was sent ashore. After somo hard travelling the village was reached, and the f** war's men commenced the attack. oonw of the natives fled in all direction, whilst others made a bold resistant. Eight mon and one woman were shot . o well arranged and sudden that the natives did not exactly know wn» to do, and Lieutenant Moore, not wishing w take more blood than was nece-Wi ceased firing. The natives were snow quently induced to surrender. A meet" _ of the chiefs then took place, and it ■«» -; cided that they should give up tlivm tomahawks, pistols, and other implement of war to the officers. These were sent on board the Dart, and another vessel w» them on to Noumea, where they were P»<*" " on board the Gunga and brought on w ~, Sydney.