SURVIVORS FROM WRECK.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 1073, 21 July 1924, Page 5

SURVIVORS FROM WRECK.

STORY OF THE DOUGLAS MAWSON CONFIRMATION OF THE STORY. MELBOURNE, July 20. Reports received by the Federal authorities give some confirmation of the story of the Douglas Mawson survivors. Dr Wade, who is leading a mining party which was recently exploring the vicinity of the alleged murders, informed the Administrator that at three places on the coast lie heard from blacks of the wreck of a big ship, the massacre of men, and the kipnapping of two women.

In view of this, strong parties are being sent out, both by sea and land to investigate and search for the women alleged to lie held captive. The natives of the district are alleged to be wild and savage, and even cannibals. At various times in recent years they are stated to have murdered the crews of fishing boats, looted the vessels, and attacked and murdered other whites visiting the district. Others, well acquainted with the blacks of this district and their habits, however, are inclined to discredit the story. They point out that the Douglas Mawson was wrecked in March, 1923, and since then a number of ships have visited the vicinity an 1 been in communication with the blacks. If the story were true, it must have leaked out long before this particularly through the missionary station on an adjoining island, which is in constant touch with the blacks, yet ic has never heard anything in confirmation. They also say the natives are not savage, as represented. The crew of the Douglas Mawson consisted of 13 men, Mr and Mrs W illett and their children were passengers. It is thought probable that the other woman mentioned was the stewardess. In view of the fact that reports concerning the Douglas Mawson story have been received from independent sources, the Federal authorities have decided on a full investigation, and have authorised the Administrator of the Northern Territory immediately to organise and despatch strong search parties.—Press Association.

It was previously reported that the crow of ilie ketch Masko© had stated that while at Capo Wilberforee they were informed by. a native that the crew of the Douglas Mawson sank in a big storm and that the crew and passengers, including two white women, had landed, it was said that the men were speared and buried in the sand and that the women were taken captive.