BLOCKADE OF FIJIANS IN CAVES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIII, Issue 4664, 25 October 1876, Page 3

BLOCKADE OF FIJIANS IN CAVES.

Repokts have been received (says the Fiji Times of the 16th ult.) from Captain Knollys, dated 31st July, Na Veigaraki, A'abutautau. On the 21st Captain Knollys left Na Veigaraki with- a portion of his force to go and attack some caveß occupied by the Nalawanisa tribe. Arriving in the neighbourhood of the caves at midday on the 23rd, Captain Knollys found it very difficult to obtain any accuratc information as to the position of the entrances thereto, and a Nadrau man, who had left Na Veigaraki a few days previously to examine the country, had been caught, killed, and eaten by the cannibals. The position of one of the entrances was, how;ever, discovered, and Capt. Knollys managed i to lead his men within 500 yards of it be- I fore the cannibals were aware of their approach. On catching sight of the police the cannibals made for the caves, and the police followed, hoping to effect an entrance before the enemy had recovered from their surprise. - They were, however, met by a steady fire from the loop-holed rocks, and two of them fell, mortally wounded. Finding assault impossible, as the caves had to be entered on hands and knees, Captain Knollyß ordered a blockade, which was kept up for six days and nights, when some of the cannibals gave in, and soon after the whole of the remainder surrendered. A strict blockade was a work of considerable danger, on account df the very rugged nature of the country and the extent of the caves. New outlets and loop-holes were continually being discovered, and shots from unexpected quarters were fatal'to two or more df the police. ' These' caves were the last stronghold of the Kai Colo, and Captain.Knollys, considering the disturbance at an end, has marched his force down to meet His Excellency the Governor, who has been for some : weeks awaiting him at Nasaucoko., . .