Mystery Ships.

Japanese Appear At and Near New Ireland.

(From a Special Correspondent.)

Kavieng, June 4.

Mysterious ships apparently Japanese poachers—have been men tioned in your paper as having, from time to time, made their appearance at Thursday Island, Solomons, etc.

Our Kavieng district has had its share of visits—although, as far as I know, no reference has been made to them in your paper.

Some months ago one of these ves sels, described as cruiser-shaped, about 250-300 tons, and driven by obviously very powerful engines, and capable of a fair turn of speed, visited the St.

Matthias Group (80 miles N.W. of Kavieng, consisting of the Island of Emira or Squally, and, 20 miles west, the Island of Mussan).

It visited the east coast of Mussan and followed the coastline to the southerly end of the island, collecting shell as it went.

The visitors made contact with the natives and bartered with them for food. One rather intelligent Tultul went on board and demanded to see their fish ing license from the Government. But, evidently, not being able to make him self understood, he jumped overboard and swam ashore.

After this, whenever the natives went near them, they immediately took in their fishing dinghies and steamed away.

The vessel then visited Emira and, showing splendid seamanship, combined with reliable engines, anchored and hung off a lee reef, just opposite the plantation house. The manager went on board and the Japanese captain said they were looking for a seaweed of commercial value, and wanted to buy the fishing rights, if after prospecting, they considered the place worth work ing.

The manager made it clear to them that their presence was not so desir able as it might be, and they left imme diately.

Again, they visited Mussan and sailed off one night in the direction of Manus.

The manager of Emira Plantation stated that the vessel had practically no cargo, but seemed filled with large engines. Everything was in spick and span order, and there was an orderly and obedient crew. Also, she was fitted with a very powerful searchlamp on her bow.

Later, a vessel similar in appearance —probably the same one—visited the Portland Group, sent a boat ashore and collected a load of coconuts from Ting won Plantation. But when the natives told them they would have to buy them from the master they emptied most of them out and made off. When the plantation manager arrived he saw her steaming off in the dusk, with a power ful searchlight playing.

During the last few weeks, reports have come from Metinge and Wassanga Plantations, on the west of New Han over, of a strange steamer, as the boys called it, having anchored on the coast and steamed off early next morning.

Again, Mr. Lussick, of Legogon Plan tation, on the east coast of New Ireland, states that early on the morn

ing of May 25 he saw a strange ship, similar to the old "Ralum,” moving at a very fast speed in the direction of Tabar Island. On Monday, 29th, Mr.

Davis, of Saccacui Plantation, saw a strange vessel pass his place, going in the direction of Kavieng.

On the night of Saturday, 27th, the natives and some Europeans say that about 10.30 p.m. a light came from the direction of Djaul and flooded the whole place, as if a searchlight from a war ship was played upon them. So far, its origin is unknown.

In view of these reports, it seems there must at least be some motive in the movement of these ships Whether they are just poachers for shell, or are there for other purposes, it is time we had a patrol boat or a seaplane at least to keep an eye on them.