NEW GUINEA AFFRAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 12661, 15 September 1904, Page 5

NEW GUINEA AFFRAY.

JUDGE MURRAY'S REPORT.' By Telegraph.— Association.—Copyright. MEMOTnsNvs, September I*. Jubge Mtjurat's report status that the natives had no immediate idea of attacking the ship, bat wished to trade. On being made suddenly aware that their comrades had been treacherously seized, they sought vengeance by the only means at hand. About 260 shots were fir-fid, and eight natives Were killed ok thsi (Spot, and those more or less seriously wounded amounted to at least some low intf tijple of eight. It Was due to the strenuous exertions of Commandant Bruce in compelling this police to cease firing that there was not more bloodshed. Commandant Bruce gave no order to fire, nor did ha anticipate the conflict,; and be is completely exonerated'from blame. The officers of the ship who fired on the natives also were exonerated. They hurriedly joined in what they thought waft a necessary: and meritorious , defence against an attack on the iship. : The Commissioner add«: "11 Mr. ilobinson, had been able to give his cwn account of the affair he might have shown eomethisg more than now appears, and might hav« thrown some new light upon his action." Judge Murray recommends the Government of the territory in future to consult the Executive Council before taking any important step which might lead to collisions with the natives or at least to serious difference of opinion.