Latest Concerning the Tonga Outrage.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XX, Issue 2034, 23 February 1887, Page 2

Latest Concerning the Tonga Outrage.

A SAD STATE OF AFFAIRS. The execution of the six men for an attempt on Mr Baker’s life has incensed the residents. A number of rowdies started out one day crying that a message had come from Queen Victoria, that the King might do as he liked with his own people. The Wesleyans were all outlawed, and every man's band was turned against them. The College grounds were invaded, and the houses of the Ministers and students were all plundered and looted. Men, women and children were thrashed and beaten witu sticks, clubs, and the butt end of rifles, in order to induce them to change thair Church. Many were left for dead. One band of painted demons (about 300) invaded the Mission House grounds. The now British Consul was consulted, and he gave as his decision—" The King c-'U Jo just whatever he Hites with his own pcopl;, tmd I cannot interfere.” The poor ptopre who had sought a haven of rest in the house of their missionary were Ihen given up. As each minister went forth amongst that crowd of yelling fiends, ho was seized and subjected to every possib'e indignity that could bo conceived ; but wl en the poor women went forth it was truly heartrending. A poor old woman, over Cl) years of age, toddled down to the gate and went forth. She was immediately seized and dragged along by the hair and ears amid the yells and howls of the demoniacal multitude. Then she was stood up and a big tufliau struck her ,in the face several times with his douched ' Hst till .he was nearly stunned. She then staggered forward bleeding, while another demon danced in front of her with a big axe uplifted within a few inches of her face, threatening to chop her down. In the r Ding the premises of the Roman Catholic Mission were invaded by a band of armed and painted fiends, led by Maapu, the King’s brother. He demanded the body of one Ameni, in most violent language, shooting at the priests, and demanding to know if they meant to resist. The priests refused to give him up, and it is now their intention to appeal to France. A French mansof-war is expected to reach Tonga in a few days.