THE WAR IN SAMOA

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9171, 28 September 1888, Page 5

THE WAR IN SAMOA

SEVERE FIGHTING.

TAIIASESE'S TROOPS DEFEATED.

GREAT LOSS OF LIFE

APIA OCCUPIED.

&. BRITISH CAPTAIN KILLED

[press association.]

Sydney, September 27. Arrived : The Lubeck, from Samoa, where she left on the 15th inst. Latest files to hand show that hard fighting has taken place between the adherents of Malietoa, the deposed King of Samoa, and those of Tamasese. The latter have suffered overwhelm" ing defeat, and Apia has been occupied by the opposing force, who have elected Matafa King of Samoa. Captain Leary, of the American warship proceeded ashore and interviewed the supporters of the new-elected king, warning them not to interfere with the lives of white people, or in any way to destroy their property. The natives assured Captain Leary that if any native was detected attempting the life of foreigners he would be beheaded. On September 12 Matafa, with a force of 500 natives, attacked the Government soldiers at Matuu, near Apia. During the engagement stray bullets struck the vessels in the harbour, and one of the crew of the warship Adler was wounded in the jaw. The Government forces were driven into the sea, where they were shot down without mercy. The Tamasese party in boats came to the assistance of the troops, and kept up a sharp fire on their opponents ashore, but at last were compelled to retire. During the night of the 12th Matafa made an attack on one of the most strongly fortified positions of Tamasese. which he captured. The defenders of the fort made a plucky resistance, and it is computed they lost between 50 and 60 men in the engagement. The Tamasese have withdrawn to Muliniu Point, which is occupied by German sailors and marines. Captain Bissett, of the schooner Vindex, while proceeding to tha British Consulate, was struck in the head by a stray bullet, and killed instantaneously. An attack on Muiiniu Point by the followers of Matafa was believed to be imminent. When the Lubeck left five German warships were expected daily at Apia. Later. When the Lubeck left Apia, affairs there 'were quieting down, but fighting was taking place inland. The German authorities have taken no part in the disturbance beyond protecting the property of German residents. Many private houses were riddled with bullets. It is estimated that the casualties were 90 killed and injured, The latter are being attended to by surgeons from German and American warships.