THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 28, 3 February 1899, Page 5

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

TRADE IX ALCOHOL,

RECRUITING BLACK LABOUR

Dr. (hum, L'resbyterian missionary at Aneitlum and Futuna for nearly 1(5 years, reached Sydney on January 19 in the steamer Victoria. In conversation with a 'Daily Telegraph' representative, Dr, Gunu mentioned ". :ere had been trouble through some of the traders giving grog to the natives. Quarrelling had ensued among1 the traders themselves about a year and a half ago, resulting in one of them being- murdered; consequently, Captain Williams declined to supply them with any more drink. On learning that the British vessel would not supply them, they wrote up to Vila for the French steamer to call and take their copra. 'As the French are not. forbidden by their Government to give alcohol," said Dr. Gunn. 'thirteen cases were landed. That is, ]fl;> large bottles, each holding more than a quart. The French steamer took away 20 tons of copra on that trip, while the British vessel got none. The result of it all was that tin- traders tit Weasisi could get no copra made, for the natives were away drinking. Such a large distribution of alcohol among the natives lias doubtless given a check to mission work in that, district.'

'The labour vessels have been recruiting pretty largely in the islands within the past few months. At the end of September or the beginning of October, G4 natives were taken from West Tanna for Queensland, and about 20 for Noumea by the French vessel. Sixteen were taken for Queensland from Tongoa,and more recently 13 from the' mission station at Nguna, where the missionary was absent. From Undine Bay 48 were taken.' Dr. Gunn had nothing special to report regarding the New Hebrides mission.