VILLAGE TERRORISED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22193, 21 August 1935, Page 11

VILLAGE TERRORISED

MUTINEER IN BLOCKHOUSE HELD ATTACKERS AT BAY Aug. 13 Abunawas was born of a race of head-hunters and in his heart blazed a fierce hatred for the British. From a loopholed blockhouse on the east coast of Borneo he tried alone and unaided to end British rule. Abunawas was one of a garrison of seven men and a corporal in the Semporna blockhouse, built long ago by British traders as a protection against Dyak head-hunters. When the others were absent he barricaded the doors and, with 1000 rounds and plenty of rifles, he began his campaign. He shot a Sikh policeman and Corporal Dullah, the garrison commander, when he ran into the street to investigate. For two days he kept the village in constant terror as he poured bullets into shops and houses. The village was organised against him and a call was sent for a relief force. When it arrived with rifles and Lewis guns Abunawas was still in control, although he had been wounded in a leg. The relief party on the dawn of the fourth day surrounded the blockhouse and poured into it volley after volley from the Lewis guns. At last three natives rushed in under cover of hot fire. They broke through the solid wooden door and with bayonets fixed sought Abunawas. Thoy found him on the floor. The Lewis guns had done their work.