THE DOUGLAS MAWSON.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 171, 21 July 1924, Page 5

THE DOUGLAS MAWSON.

LOSS OF THE CREW. BID BLACKS EAT THEM? MELBOURNE. July 20. Reports received by the Federal authorities give some confirmation of tho Douglas Mawson story. Dr. Wade, who was leading a mining parly which recently explored :.he vicinity of the alleged murders, has informed the administration that at three places c.r. the coast ho heard from the blaoks of the wreck of a big ship, the massacre of her men and the kidnapping of two women. In view of this statement large parties arc being- sent out. both by sea and by land, to investigate and to search for the women who are alleged to be held captive by the blacks. Tho natives of the district arc said to be wild and savage, even cannibals. At various times in recent years they are said to have murdered the crews of lishing boats, ami to have looted vessels. They are also said to have attacked and murdered other whites visiting the district. Other people well acquainted with the district blacks and their habits are inclined to discredit the story. They state that the Douglas Mawson was wrecked in March. 1023, a ( nd that since then a number of shins have visited the vicinity and been in communication with the blacks. If the story had been true they consider that it must have leaked out long before this, particularly through the missionary station on tlie adjoining island, which is in constant touch with the blacks, yet has never lieard anything in confirmation of the story. They also say that the natives are not as savage as they are represented. The crew of the Douglas Mawson consisted of 13 men. Mr. and Mrs. Willed and their five children were passengers. It is thought probable that the other woman mentioned was the stewardess. [(A. and'N.Z. Cable.)