Papuans

Assaulted Plantation

Assistant

Five Years’ Gaol for Two Papuans

From Our Own Correspondent

Pt. Moresby, Aug. 20.

IN the Central Court earlier in the month 10 natives of the Tufl district employed on Itikinumu Plantation, Sogeri District, were charged with attempting to kill Mr. Laidley Cay, a plantation assistant.

It appeared that Mr. Cay while count ing the rubber tappers one morning was attacked by one of |tie accused. Mr.

Cay was thrown to the ground with a heavy blow on the head from a club. All the accused admitted having hit Mr. Cay.

Evidence by the Crown disclosed that the attack was premeditated and that the telephone wire leading from Mr. Cay’s house to the main buildings had been cut.

The reason for the attack was ascribed by the prime movers in the assault, as being retaliation to an assault by Mr.

Cay on the previous Saturday.

His Honour Mr. Justice Gore found Kiwai and Piria guilty and sentenced each to five years’ imprisonment. The remainder of the accused were convicted of common assault and sentenced to four months with hard labour.

Mr. Cay who was taken to the Euro pean Hospital immediately after the assault, has now recovered from his wounds and has returned to his duties on Itikinumu.