Murderers in Koiari, Papua

Insignia Of The Heera

How Jack Hides Caught Four Murderers in Koiari, Papua

Pt. Moresby, Nov. 24.

SEVERAL months ago the disappear ance of five Saroa natives in the Cen tral Division near Rigo, on their way from loma in the Northern Division to Port Moresby to collect their pay (they liad completed a labour contract) caused some concern. A patrol under Mr. Jack Hides was sent overland to inquire into their disappearance.

The Koiari people, through whose coun try they passed, reported that the natives had perished from hunger. Mr. C. Cow ley, from loma, and Mr. Hides, however, found the insignia of the Heera (homi cide) at Manari village and the murder was out. Proud of their trophy, these hill people were unable to conceal it.

It appears that the five Saroa men lulled a pig belonging to a native of Manari. The latter gave chase, with three other natives, caught them up, and •speared and' strangled them and threw their bodies into a stream, where they were eventually discovered.

The four Manari men were brought to Port Moresby by Mr. Jack Hides and on November 6 were charged with wilful murder in the Court of Petty Sessions, and were subsequently sentenced to five years’ hard labour.

The Koiari people possess a very elaborate system of Heera (insignia of manslaughter). The beak of the horn bill, bird-of-paradise feathers, cockatoo feathers, sea-shells, and cassowary feathers, cuscus skin and nose sticks — ail these are worn separately or collec tively by all who have been concerned in a. murder.

The tradition of the Heera dies hard with the Koiari. They have been punished on many occasions for murders commit ted to secure this token, but being little influenced by civilisation they are con tinually striving to achieve the right to possess the coveted insignia.