ATTACK ON A CATHOLIC MISSION.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXI, Issue 221, 21 September 1895, Page 3

ATTACK ON A CATHOLIC MISSION.

A GALLANT DEFENCE. The steamer Airlie brings news of an attack on the Roman Catholic Mission at the village of Wa Nai, near Ho Yun, a town on the East River, six or eight days' journey by boat from Canton. It appears that the ill-affected, to the number of about 120, had brought an acousation against the Christians of having disturbed the fengshui, but they averred that they had no intention of rising against the missionary, as was alleged. Affairs were m this position when on the 2nd July, at 6 a.m., a band of bandits appeared at the north-east of the village and attacked the Orphanage, which was situated about 400 paces from the remainder of the group of buildings, and pillaged and burnt it. The children fled at the approach of the robbers, and only one, more rash than the rest, allowed himself to be taken. This child was cut to pieces. Another building between the village and the school was also burnt. At 9 o'clock another band of about 900 arrived from the south, and was followed by still another from the west. All the outlying buildidgs were soon m flames, and egress from the village, where the chapel was, was completely blocked. It was impossible to fly. The missionary saw the danger, the cries of " Kill" apprising him of the fate that awaited him and his flock if they fell into the hands of the robbers. It was necessary to defend themselves or die. Hastily some old muskets were prepared, and the battle commenced all along the line. With three dead and several wounded, the enemy had to give way and seek what cover the nature of the ground afforded for protection from the bullets. During the whole night they continued to howl and attack the village. The Christians, who had only 29 combatants amongst a number of frightened women and children, did not leave their cover, but availed themselves of the darkness of the night to make loopholes so as to be able to fire from the interior of the houses without risking their lives too much. On the morning of the Brd j flags were flying all round. It was a veritable siege, and to leave was impossible. Women took part m the affair, carrying faggots to burn the houses, and robbing the fields of their crops. The battle re-com-menced, and two robbers were killed, and several wounded. On the 4th the beseigers received reinforcement, bringing their number up to fully 2000, with from 500 to 600 rifles and three cannons. A heavy rain did not damp their ardour, and they made four assaults, each as ineffective as those of the previous day. On the sth the rain evidently annoyed them, and they retired. The little garrison profited by this to make a sortie and seize the supplies of wood that had been brought up to burn them, for they had none left themselves to cook their rice. At the same time bamboo ladders intended for the assault were captured, and a length of wall which afforded cover to the enemy was pulled down. The noise aroused the robbers, who with horrible cries, prepared for another attack. On the 6th some soldiers of the Ho Yun mandarin arrived under arms, but they were driven away and put to flight. Three severe assaults on the villagers were made. One of the enemy's cannon burst, killing several men, but it also damaged the chapel. More reinforcements arrived from all parts, and there were more than 2000 men surrounding the village. The fighting between the besiegers and the besieged was continued on the 7th, Bth, 9th, 10th, and 11th. On the 11th 200 additional soldiers augmented the mandarin's force, and the rising was effectively quelled.