PAYING THE PENALTY.

Feilding Star, Volume V, Issue 1469, 18 April 1911, Page 2

PAYING THE PENALTY.

A PUNITIVE EXPEDITION IN THE ISLANDS. BY ELECTBIO TELEGBAPH COPYBIGHT. (PEB PBEBS ASSOCIATION.) - Sydney, April 17. The French steamer brings news of trouble in the northern" part of the Island of Santo, New" Hebridies. Sixty armed natives, led by two rebellious chiefs —Zingourou and Neil —made -depredatioins on white settlers, placing their lives in jeopardy. A force of twenty police and a number of Kanakas, led by an Englishman, Mr Thomas, was sent to the scene, and made a night attack on the rebels' stronghold. After a hot engagement, the rebels were routed and fled to the bush. Three of their number were killed and others wounded. The latter were removed.

Mr Thomas received two bullets in the chest, but is expected to recover. Two natives attacked the attacking force and were fatally wounded. The expedition destroyed the rebels' villages. plantations. and pigs.

Another expedition is being organised, with the object of capturing the chief of the party. (Received April 18. 9.55 a.m.) Sydney, April 18. Details of an attack by rebellious chiefs on the stronghold of the Island of Santo show that the punitive force consisted of English, French, and native police, under Avhite leadership, and a number of' native auxiliaries. The stronghold was reached after a tedious march in dense bush. When the attack commenced most of the auxiliaries deserted, some joining the rebels. On the return journey the party Avas ambushed and fired on' but managed to beat off the attack. Later reports indicate that though Thomas and tAvo or three other members of the punitive party were wounded, none were killed.