How Gallant Ian Mack Was Killed.

Epic of the New Guinea Service.

From Our Own Correspondent.

Rabaul, July 1.

STARTING out on a Saturday (June 10) for the purpose of apprehending natives who had killed members of another tribe near the Government post on the Upper Ramu, Assistant District Officer Ian Mack arrived at a village some four miles distant from his station, and two hours’ walking distance.

In this village, the circular leaf-houses are so constructed that there is a double wall. Entering at one side of the house, it is necessary to proceed half around the circle, along a narrow passageway between the two walls, before reaching an entrance to the interior of the house.

Despatching one of his police-boys into the house to ascertain the where abouts of certain natives, Mack was astonished when the boy returned with an arrow-wound in the face and ex plained that he had lost his rifle. The A.D.O. instructed him to return for his weapon at once; but the police-boy, filled with fear after his first experience, refused to do so.

In order to restore confidence and courage in his small party, Ian Mack himself entered the outside door, pro ceeded along the narrow passage-way and, arriving at the inner entrance to the house, flashed his electric torch into the room. Immediately a shower of arrows were fired at him, entering his body about the chest and arms. Bravely, he retained his consciousness and fired at his attackers and, with the assistance of his native police, killed twelve of the thirteen inmates of the darkened room.

One attacker was taken prisoner.

With several barbed arrows embedded in his body, he was removed from the house with difficulty and carried by his own police, and with the assistance of natives from a neighbouring friendly tribe, to the Upper Ramu aerodrome.

Here, he was fortunate in being cared for by Mrs. Peadon, until the aeroplane arrived on June 13, and transported the wounded man to Salamaua, where he immediately received the best medical attention available.

It was thought advisable, however, to have him transported to Rabaul, where X-ray appliances would assist in locat ing the barbed arrows still remaining in his body, and arrangements were made for chartering one of the Junker ’planes.

Floats were necessary, to be attached for the journey from Salamaua to Rabaul, and this task was found to be impos sible.

On learning this, Dr. Sinclair, who had the case in hand, radioed to the N.D.L. steamer “Friderun”, which at that time was picking up copra along the Madang coast in the vicinity of Karkar island.

Captain Engels immediately made all speed for Salamaua, but did not arrive in time; as, during a third transfusion of blood which was given by Mr. B.

Challis, Ian Mack passed away as a result of arterial haemorrhage.

The funeral was held on Sunday after noon; the pall-bearers consisted of rep resentative members of the Administra tion and commercial sections, and the service was conducted by the Superin tendent of the Lutheran Mission, Rev.

Lehner, who gave a simple, stirring ad dress at the graveside, just as the west terning sun was slipping behind the mountain tops.

Ian Mack’s bravery and devotion to duty until the last will ever be remem bered. He was an officer highly re spected, and his friends were legion. Too much praise cannot be accorded this splendid officer for the prompt action which he took in wiping out, almost to a man, his attackers, thereby meting out justice in a manner which can never be misunderstood by the primitive natives in the Upper Ramu country.