COLDSEEKERS IN NEW BRITAIN

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 117, 13 November 1926, Page 9

COLDSEEKERS IN NEW BRITAIN

SUFFER FOR SINS OF OTHERS

STORY OF AMBTJSH IN JUNGLE.

(United Press Association.—Copyright.)

(Received 13th November, 11 a.m.)

SYDNEY, This Day.

Details of the murders of the gold-, seekers in New Britain have been brought to Sydney by the steamer Montoro. It was stated that the trouble arose ■ from interference with native women by black boys of a white man who travelled through this, district some months ago. The natives, followed their usual native custom of attacking the next white man's party that came in view.

When the party consisting of Fisher, Page, Britain, Nichols, Marloy, and Collins arrived at the native village they were surprised to find it deserted. They were about to partake of a meal when they were startled by a shower of missiles from all sides. Unable to reach their rifles, which they had left some distance away, the party scattered and ran for the jungle." As Britain ran he tripped and fell, knocking his head on a tree which rendered him unconscious. The natives failed to notice him lying in the undergrowth. • When he came to, he crawled away and reached the beach, where he found Nichols.

A patrol party arrived, and they all proceeded to the scene of the murders. They buried the bodies of Collins, Marley, and Fisher. There was no trace of Page. The party then returned to Rabaul for reinforcements.