FRENCH KIDNAPPING IN THE SOUTH SEAS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6280, 3 January 1882, Page 5

FRENCH KIDNAPPING IN THE SOUTH SEAS.

■ o Ku Excellency the Goverxor of Victoria, on December 19, handed to Sir Bryan "O'Loghlen the following copy of letters forwarded by Commodore Wilson:—"New Caledonia, British Consulate, 23rd November, 18S1. — I have the honor to forward for your information two reports of kidnapping by French vessels, the Havannah and Port Villa, in order that you may take such steps as you may deem necessary to warn British ve33els of the danger of touching nt the places indicated. I have also forwarded copies to Fiji, and have called the attention of the French Colonial Government here to the matter in question. I also beg to inform '_ you that Captain Modezo and Tom of Auroa ■***■ notoriety are in custody here, it is said on an accusation of murder.—l am, &c, E. L. Lavakd." Accompanying this communication is a letter front?: the master of the missionary vessel Dayspring, and which reade as follows :—" When ofF the west of St. Batholomew, opposite Hut Island, the Rev. T. Macdonald lauded, and while there the natives reported to the man in charge of the boat (W. Ecclestone) that a French schooner a few clays previously had stolen five men by forcing them into the boats. I was at the Island on the ISth inst.—(Signed) UEO. Braithwaite master of the missionary schooner Dayspring." The French schooner referred to is the Havannah, late John S Law, sold by Capt. McLeod to a French firm. The following letter was enclosed in Commodore Wilson's despatch.—' Api, 2nd November, ISSI. Dear Sir,— I take the first opportunity to inform you that the ketch Port Villa, on Monday, 24th October, stole four men and two boys from Api, about two miles westward from my place. You mav use this as you like. The natives say that they win ftre a t the first boat that comes there, (Signed) J. Newman.' Commodore VNilson adds that, British trading vessels should be warned not to touch at the places indicated, as he fears that the natives will revenge themselves indiscriminately upon ■any white- people whom they may come in contact with."