Solomons

Crime In The

Theft and Attempted Poisoning

From Our Own Correspondent.

TULAGI, April 2.

A RATHER startling case that has been made public here throws a light upon the growing condition of lawlessness among natives in a part of the Solomons.

Mr. J. Svensen, a well known planter of Ovi Harbour, Guadacanal, recently re ported to the authorities that an attempt had been made to poison him, apparently by his cook boy. It appears that during his absence his house was thoroughly ran sacked by native thieves, and much of his property was stolen and distributed by the thieves to friends all along the coast, from Suku to Verahoe. In addition, strychnine was placed in the milk which presumably would be used by Mr. Svensen.

The officials acted with commendable promptitude. A quick investigation was made, with the result that 34 natives, in

cluding Mr. Svensen’s cook boy (from Gela) and a native priest were arrested and tried at Verahoe by the District Officer on various charges, mostly receiving and using stolen goods well knowing them to have been stolen. They were all found guilty and sent to Tulagi for sentence. It is believed that the cook boy, together with another Gela boy, actually stole the goods and distributed them. It was a particularly mean offence against a man who had lived many years among the natives and had always treated them kindly.

It has been noted that only a few months ago a neighbour of Mr. Svensen found his milk boys polluting the milk with all sorts of filth. In that instance, nothing was done officially which may have encouraged the series of crimes now under notice.

It is apparent that a little wholesome discipline is required among the natives of Guadacanal.