Fanaticism In New
p. 34 · Read in the full issue
Guinea
Buka Natives Wait for “Ship of the Millennium.”
From Our Own Correspondent.
RABAUL, September 20.
IN the December 1932 issue of the Pacific Islands Monthly, it was reported that a wave of religious fanaticism had swept over portion of Buka (Mandated New Guinea). Word has now been received, though not officially confirmed, that a fresh outbreak has occurred in the same district and is extending to the island of Bougain ville.
As in the former instance certain natives are alleged to have received “word” in visions and dreams that large vessels will appear off the coast of the island and bring them supplies. The particular point in the present “prophecy” is that the whites resi dent on the island will be taken away and the natives left undisturbed.
The first “information” was to the effect that the vessel would be a B.P. steamer; this failing to run to the prophetic schedule other “advice” was received that it would be a Carpenter ship; and now the latest rumour is that it will be a German steamer.
Natives are kept constantly watching for the advent of this “ship of the Millen nium,” and at certain points along the coast masts have been erected, decorated with leaves and native garlands.