SOLOMONS OUTRAGE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 10413, 21 October 1927, Page 5

SOLOMONS OUTRAGE

H.M.A.S. ADELAIDE ON THE " - SCENE'

NATIVES OFFER. TO ASSIST PUNITIVE EXPEDITION

ARMED C.ONSTADULARY TO LEAVE FOR INTERIOR,

{United Press Assn. —Oooyrlght.) '(Received Octi 20, 0.55 p,m.) SUVA,., Oct. 20/... No information regarding tiro circumstances of tho murders in the Solomons is yet available' at headbut it is shortly expected as the cruiser has anchored at Sinarango, near the site, and landed a party of sailors to form a base camp for the proposed operations. It is reported the murders wore committed by. members of two bush tribes, between 200 and 500' natives taking part in the outrages. Since the outrages over 800 natives l have collected at Autiki, the Government headquarters in Malaita, and others are coming daily, to offer their services in effecting the arrest of the perpetrators of the outrage. The Resident Commissioner thanked them for their loyalty and instructed the majority to return to their homes and await orders if their services are needed.

Every endeavour is being made to arrest the perpetrators of tho murders l;(y civil forces at the disposal of the Administration. For this purpose thirty selected Europeans are being enrolled for special service in the Armed Constabulary. Native levies in limited number are also being employed to supplement tho available force of fifty native armed constabulary. For additional protection a party of thirty sailors from the warship Adelaide will accompany the expedition into the interior. The parties will operate from the base camp established! by the naval forces. Tlie Resident Commissioner is in charge of tho operations and will accompany the expedition into the interior. Sub-Inspector Davies, officer in charge of the Constabulary and District Officer Wilson; will also accompany the expedition.-—U.P.A.