NEW BRITAIN MURDERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19952, 20 November 1926, Page 13

NEW BRITAIN MURDERS

PROGRESS OF PUNITIVE EXPEDITION. RESISTANCE ENCOUNTERED. (Free* Association— By Telegraph—Copyright.) MELBOURNE,. November 19. Advice has been received from Rabaul that the punitive expedition to New Britain, which was sent with the object of arresting the, murderers, succeeded in establishing defence posts. Two hostile natives were killed and one was founded. No member of the punitive expedition was hurt. Several villages were advanced upon and found to be deserted.

The expedition was attacked after it had occupied the first village, but the natives were dispersed. It is hoped that when the supplies have been replenished the patrols will be able to break down any further resistance and succeed in arresting the ringleaders of the attacks. The body of David Page, who was reported missing, was found by the expedition.

A party of prospectors consisting of Fisher, Page, Britain, Nichols, Marley, and Collins arrived at a native village, which they found deserted. They were about to have a meal when they were surprised by a shower of missiles. Tbev were unable to reach their rifles, which they had left some distance away. Britain and Nichols escaped. The bodies of Collins, Marlev, and Fisher were afterwards found, but there was no trace of Page.