IN THE SOLOMONS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 23 November 1927, Page 7

IN THE SOLOMONS.

SKIRMISHES WITH NATIVES. SUSPECTS ARR ESTED. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT SUVA, Nov. 22. It is officially stated that the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific has received a wireless message from the Solomon Islands stating that the operations of the punitive expedition are restricted to patrolling the native villages. The natives concerned in the massacre are scattered in small bands hiding in the bush. The patrol met opposition at the village of Basiana. The alleged murderer of Mr. Bell, in i skirmish with the natives, was shot and another was wounded, the lattei escaping. One night a native party was seen by a sentry creeping towards the vi.lage of Goitarigu, in which a Government patrol was encamped. The natives took no notice of a challenge, and file sentry fired, killing one. The others fled, leaving a Snider rifle and native weapons. There were no Government casualties. A reward of £5 has been offered for the apprehension of the natives concerned in the Sinarango outrages. It is believed that this may lead to the early .apprehension of the natives, who are'led and harboured by natives in the vicinity. The support of naval fortes has been Pound unnecessary, and the cruiser Adelaide sailed for Sydney, via Newcastle, on November 18. '['ho Resident Commissioner at j Tulngi wirelessed yesterday that the | ringleader at Basiana and 4-1 suspects wore ( aptured and lodged in the Tulngi gaol