ATTACK ON A SCHOONER.

Kumara Times, Issue 3003, 18 June 1886, Page 2

ATTACK ON A SCHOONER.

Hobart papers by the Doric contain the following telegram from Brisbane: “The schooner Young Dick, which has arrived at Maryborough, reports that a desperate conflict with the Natives occurred at Malayta Island, on May 20, resulting in the death of about 15 persons, including Mr Pophara (Government Agent), Martin (the cook), the sailmaker, a recruit, and about a dozen Natives. While the captain and two boat crews were on shore recruiting’, about 50 Natives, with their tomahawks concealed in yams and leaves, hoarded the vessel in canoes, ostensibly to recruit, and at a signal given by the chief the entire party attacked the crew. The mate (Marr) threw off his assailants and seized the firearms on boaid, and successfuly defended himself from the half closed door - of the cabin. A seaman named Cuttenden, who was asleep below, hastened on deck with arras, and encountered the Natives. He then ascended to the foretop, and shot down a number of savages, and forced them to retreat. He then descended and released i he mate, whose rifle was broken, and who was incapably

of further fighting. He also shot savage, whom he found in the yagent’s cabin. They then, armed the recruits, numbering 14, with tomahawks, and were preparing to resist a second attack which was thraetened, bnt did not come off. On the captain’s return to the vessel, an awful scene of carnage met his view. Four white men were hacked to pieces, and their brains were bespattered about the deck. Mr Popham was lying in the cabin, with pen and paper in his bands, and his head split open. One recruit, who Joined in the resistance, and five Natives who were shot, were lying about the deck. Marr and Cuttenden aver that they shot many others who went overboard. The bodies from the vessel were burial at sea, and the Young Dick then sailed home. The brig Janet Stewart was attacked successfully and looted at the,.same place and by the same tribe five years ago.