DOUGLAS MAWSON

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 21 July 1924, Page 5

DOUGLAS MAWSON

FATE OF CREW STTLL A MYSTERY. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT MELBOURNE, July 20. Reports received by the Federal authorities give some confirmation of the Douglas Mawson story, which stated that several of the crew of the mussing ship had been speared and buried and their women captured by blacks. J Dr. Wade, leader of a mining party, who was recently exploring in the vicinity of the alleged minders, informed the Administrator that at three places on the coast he heard horn the blacks of the wreck of a big •ship, the massacre of the men and the kidnapping ot two women. In view ol this strong parties are being sent out by both sea- and land to investigate and search for the women alleged to. lie held captive by the natives. The natives of the district are alleged to be wild and savage, and even cannibals. At various times in recent years it is stated they murdered the crews of fishing boats and looted vessels, and attacked and murdered other whites visiting the district. Others well acquainted with the blacks of the district and their habits are- inclined to discredit the story I’hey point out that the Douglas Maivson was wrecked in March. 1923. and since then a number of ships which have visited the vicinity have been in communication with tlie blacks. If the story is true it must have ieaked out long before this, particularly through the missionary station adjoining the island, which is in constant touch with the blacks, and yet has never heard any thing in coiP firm ation of the alleged murders and kidnapping. The station also reports that the natives are not savage as represented.

The ci ev. of the Douglas Mh-w-soii consisted of 13 men. Mr. and Mrs. Willett and five children were (passengers, and it is thought probable that the other woman mentioned was a stewardess.

In view of the fact that reports of the Douglas Mawson story were received from independent sources, the b ederal authorities have decided upon a lull investigation and have authorised the. Administrator of the Northern Territory to immediately organise ibe despatch of a strong search party.