NEW GUINEA.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144197, 13 September 1913, Page 3

NEW GUINEA.

* AN EXPLORER’S REPORT. HEAD-HUNTERS AND MOS QUITOES. BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.—COPYRIGHT. MELBOURNE, Sept. 12. Baker’s expedition, ascending the Strickland River, discovered a magnificent lake with a perimeter of fully a hundred miles. It has been named Lako Murray. There is much splendid country fit for occupation in the district, the cocoanuts being the largest ever seen, whilst excellent sugar-cane and tobacco aro growing freely. The only drawback was the mosquitoes, which, even in tho bright sunlight, were simply maddening. Ho adds: “I crave indulgence for any irregularities in-this report on that account.” Tho expedition mot largo parties of natives, whom Baker describes as a treacherous lot. They tried to inveigle thorn asboro and stop tho progress of tho expedition. On one occasion they steamed right into the middle of canoes carrying ISO warriors fresh from headhunting. It required a volley from the police to clear tho way. None of tho savages wore hit. Shortly after they camo upon tho result of tho headhunters' vile work in the shape of fresh headless, armless, and partly-skinned trunks of woman.