THE MISSION TO COOMASSIE.- ATROCITIES OF "MEN-TIGERS."

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5496, 28 June 1879, Page 7

THE MISSION TO COOMASSIE.ATROCITIES OF " MEN-TIGERS."

The Boyal Mail steamer Volta, which hae arrived from the West Coast of Africa, confirms the news brought by the eteamer Ambriz that a British Mission was on its way to Coomassie, though the intention is authoritatively stated to be the restoration of friendly relations between King Koffee of Aehantee and the King of Adanai. A- short time since the former sent a letter, under a escort of 5,000 men, to the King of Adansi, which amounted to an ultimatum, asking him in peremptory terms to state whether he intended to recognise the laws of Aahantee. Captain Hay, the British representative, was at Mansn when liiat heard of. The matter wail considered to be a very delicate one, and if an immediate understanding were not come to would probably lead to a serious outbreak. Great confidence was, hawever, placed in the ability of Captain Hay to bring about a reconciliation. From the Gambia reports of the night prowling of the "mentigers" were again prevalent,- and' were causing great consternation in.the district. These men, who are covered by a tiger ekin, go oat after the darkness has set 10, and kill the first person they. meet. The instrument used is generally, a knife, which in most cases is fonnd in the wound the next morning. The district is under the control of the French authorities, but there are several English traders there.-:■ During the three weeks previous to the arrival of the Volta at Gambia some half-dozen persons had been murdered, and none of the perpetrators had been brought to justice. When the eteamer left there were rumoura that the white inhabitants had been selected by the "men-tigers" ae their next victims. ;