NEW GUINEA

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19807, 24 May 1934, Page 11

NEW GUINEA

DANGERS OF LIFE BRUSHES WITH NATIVES SYDNEY, April 26. The dangers of life in New Guinea, an Australian-mandated territory, are emphasised by the dramatic details of the death of Captain Bernard L. McGrath, a prospector, who was killed by natives in an uncontrolled area in the Marobe district. In a clash between a punitive expedition and the natives the day after McGrath had been killed, 19 of the attacking natives were killed and 17 wounded. An official report states that Captain McGrath was attacked by natives following action he had taken to apprehend thieves who had stolen stores from his house while he was absent. Trouble developed during his search for the thieves and a native was shot in a village close to his camp. Shortly afterwards a number of natives from the village went to McGrath’s camp and a native, who had been left in charge of the stores, was shot dead. McGrath and his boys then took flight and were followed by scores of natives. Several flying arrows struck McGrath. After describing the flight from the village and McGrath’s arrival at his house, the report states:—"The natives then surrounded the house and fired arrows into it, many coming through the flimsy grass walls. McGrath and his boys then came outside hoping to’ get to another camp some nine miles away. Shots were fired over the heads of the attackers and the party made a rush for the track up the side of the foothill leading to the mountain. They were surrounded on all sides and natives were firing at them from above. “McGrath then fired shots from a shotgun over the heads of the natives. Just as they reached the top an arrow got McGrath in the lower part of the thigh and he sat down and pullrd it out. He tried to walk, but could not. He staggered about 300 yards further up the hill, and then an arrow took him through the collarbone. By this time the natives were storming up the hillside and the boys ran for safety, leaving McGrath to die.” Next day an official party was organised to proceed to the district. This comprised 40 armed indentured labourers, 11 native police and five whites. Soon after they had discovered McGrath’s body the party was ambushed by ratives and the bloody affray that followed lasted throughout the day. Cadet T.*G. Aitchisen, who led one of the parties, gives a graphic description of a daring climb along a creek bed, where the natives were hiding. Showers of arrows flew over their heads, and once there was a sound of bows being released about 10 yards ahead of them on the top of the bank. They ducked and a flight of nine •10 arrows struck the bank just above their heads. As they reached the bottom of an undulation a flight of abou 20 arrows came among them from over the top of a small ridge. One arrow flew a few inche„ from Aitchisen and a native sergeant, expecting more to follow, jumped in front to protect him. “I would like to commend him for his bravery,” says Aitchisen.

In order to protect themselves the members of the official party found it necessary to open fire on the natives. At first they gave three rounds of rapid fire with the object of frightening the natives, but this effect was not secured. The answer was another shower of arrows. When the natives showed no signs of quietening more shots were fired and a fierce fight continued frr near.v three days. The natives then fled and it was discovered that they had left behind 19 dead and many wounded. The natives eventually returned to their villages, but it is doubtful whether these responsible for the murder of McGrath will ever be found owing to the difficulty of identification.