REVOLTING CRIME IN FIJI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14923, 22 February 1912, Page 3

REVOLTING CRIME IN FIJI.

MAN BURNED ALIVE.' A chime of -,revolting; character was conn milted by Indians at Momi, Fiji, a few: ■weeks ago, when an unfortunate Indian waa i burned .alive. . Tile victim was employed as one of ilia -lighthouse-keepers of the leading lights a* Navula Passage, Moini Bay, and a conspiracy was entered into by two of h;a fellow-countrymen to take his life. Appar- -»' ently a good deal of ill-feeling existed be- • ween the parties, but the nature of the quarrel has not transpired. The two Indians arrived on the scan© early in the day, but after consultation, resolved to await nightfall 5 before attempt-* ing to carry out their murderous plans. : _' v The unsuspecting lighthouse-keeper had bis light burning, brightly and was at his post - J when the attack was' made. After receiving brutal treatment the lighthouse-keeper was bound hand and foot by ;■ niicans of stout ropes, and despite his appeals for mercy ,:«: his assailants declared their intention of burning him alive. Cries for help renfctho air, but the lighthouse was a considerable* , distance from habitation, and no aid came. Kerosene was poured over the; whole of. his body, saturating his hair and his clothing and a match applied to his clothing* and in. an instant lie was enveloped in flames. . ~%■,*. Th" pitiful cries of the victim failed t'» soften the hearts of the assassins, and thoy, left him to his fate, evidently belieyiu» , .. that ho would succumb to his terriblo it - juries. ~ The unfortunate Indian, however, 'lingered. on, and some days later was. found iby the stipendiary magistrate from Nadi. He was fearfully burned from head to foot, and bad been without food and water. Assistance was quickly procured. He is < still in a voir low state, * but it is' expected' that he will recover. .':...: " ' '