Prev | Current Page 180 | Next

Chalmers, James, 1841-1901

"Adventures in New Guinea"




CHAPTER IV. PEACE-MAKING.

Mr. Chalmers asked by the natives to go to Elema--Native
fears--Difficulties at the start--Namoa--Delena--A Motumotu trading
canoe--Interview with Semese, chief of Lese--Christian natives--Friendly
meeting with a war canoe--Arrival at Motumotu--Friendly reception--Viewing
Mr. Chalmers's feet--Natives in full dress--Sunday open-air service--Sago
as an article of commerce--Peace agreed upon--Return to Boera.
When at Kabadi in 1880, the natives begged of me to endeavour to prevent
the Elema natives paying them another visit, as they were now living in
the bush near the hills. All along the coast the people were much
afraid, expecting a raid, and at last news came in from Maiva that
Motumotu and Lese were making great preparations that they would visit
Motu, kill Tamate and Ruatoka, then attack right and left. Last year,
when leaving, they said they would return and pay off accounts, kill the
foreigners first, then all the natives they could get hold of.
Under these circumstances, I resolve to visit Motumotu, and beard the
lion in his den.


Pages:
168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192