Insolent Natives

Solomon is. Problem

From a Special Correspondent.

Tulagi, Apl. 27.

THERE is no lessening of the spirit of insolence and mischief among Solomon Islands natives, in their attitude to Europeans, to which reference has been made in the “P.I.M.”

Recently, an elderly white woman was tending a stove in her kitchen. She was attacked by a cook-boy, who rubbed grease and ashes into her hair. The D.O. at Gizo gave him —three months’ cala boose!

A young white woman, on Ysabel, was sick, in a hospital bed. A native at tendant approached her, with a most im proper suggestion. He was sentenced to twelve months’ calaboose.

Recently, at Gizo, a native prisoner, em ployed about the D.O.’s house, stole half a bottle of whisky and filled the bottle up with some colored fluid. When ques tioned, he told the D.O., impudently, that he wanted to go to Tulagi.

Another copra shed, on one of Lever’s Plantations, in the north, has been burned down. Origin of fire unknown.

Some day—if it is not then too late — officialdom will realise that there is only one way in which to maintain discipline among these natives: and it is not the calaboose.