N.G. Recruiter Killed.

Patrol Meets Violent Resistance.

THE Acting District Officer, Mr. Oak ley, returned to Aitape on November 9 from the neighbourhood of Kara wop. He brought with him the body of Thomas Frederick Exton, a recruiter, who was murdered by natives from the villages of Lawandiguin and Wimbei on September 19.

News of the murder reached Mr. Oak ley while he was at Wewak and he im mediately set out in pursuit of the mur derers.

When proceeding to the scene of the murder, Acting Assistant District Officer McDonald, of Wewak, with a party of native police, was ambushed and attacked by natives.

During the fighting, three natives were killed and wounded and one police boy was wounded.

Eight natives have been arrested and lodged in Aitape gaol.

Mr. McDonald and Warrant Officer Bird, with a strong detachment of na tive police, were still in the area at the end of November and expected to make further arrests.

Mr. Exton was a native of Sydney. He was 34 years of age. At 18 years of age he enlisted in the 36th Battalion. A.I.F., and was with that unit on the Western Front. He was on a recruiting expedi tion when murdered and three natives in his employment were also killed.