NEWS FROM THE ISLANDS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXII, Issue 12429, 31 March 1908, Page 7

NEWS FROM THE ISLANDS.

The Murder at Futuna.

(Per United Press Association^ (

AUCKLAND, March 31.

Captain Alien, master of the 6teamer Maori, trading between Samoa and Fiji, Btates that two days before the murder of Purser Mellin»s at Futuna the natives of Wallace Island made what waa apparently an attempt lo capture the Maori. They were kept clear ol the point of the revolver. It was stated that the Futuna natives wen- starving a« a rcWult of the hurricane in April last, und the rssault on Mellings ia supposed to be the outcome of their distress, but Ihe Governor of New Caledrnia states I hat he visited I'utuna in Nc\ctaber when the natives had abundant pit, visions and were busy planting. The copra trade has been ruined by the cyclone, bnt there could be no famine.