The jebu Expedition.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 168, 16 July 1892, Page 3 (Supplement)

The jebu Expedition.

Four Days' Sharp ' Fighting.

Jebu Ode was, captured by the British force after four days' hard fighting. Fierce engagements were fought on the 17th and lath insb. The Jebu army, 7,000 strong, occupied an almost impregnable position to the rear of the river, while the expeditionary force fought in a deep ravine surrounded •• by dense_ forest, in which the Jebus were concealed. In the final engagement, ; which lasted two hours, the troops crossed tbe stream waiab deep in water, in, face iof a wibheririg fire, bhe Jebus being armed partly with Sniders,, which they used with telling effecb. The troops fought .with great gallantry and were admirably handled. On the British side the , casualties were four killed and 42 wounded, three English officers , wounded slightly, and one native officer (Mr Willoughby) killed. The King surrendered, his people have all fled, and the Jebu army is completely demoralised. The town is occupied. by the British. The wounded are progressing favourably, and bbc general bealbb of bhe force is good. The King, who was opposed bo bhe war, bhanked Colonel Scott for hia expedition, and declared that it would have a beneficial effect upon the people. It appears that the Jebus,, when tbey decided to oppose the British troops, killed 200 of their people, as a sacrifice of propitiation to their gods. It is believed that many of the unfortunate people were young girls. Two men were also buried alive. ;■"' \,