Natives

Whites Attacked By New Guinea

A.D.O. Nurton Severely Injured on RaiCoast

A TTACKED by natives while on patrol in the Rai Coast area, near Madang, on the mainland of New Guinea, on September 24, Assistant District Officer Nurton was severely wounded. All the members of the camp were wounded.

Six of the attacking natives were killed and one woman was captured.

The attack was made in the area in which an administration patrol, also under Mr. Nurton, was attacked on July 23. when a native police constable was killed and four other natives were wounded.

Nurton’s camp was attacked when only four native constables were with him.

After the previous attack, Patrol-officer Greathead had been sent to the area to assist Mr. Nurton to restore order, but he had not arrived there when the further attack was made.

Men and women approached Mr. Nur ton and said that they desired peace. The men, it is stated, then grabbed Mr. Nur

ton, while the women attacked him with knives. Other men attacked the native police with arrows.

After repulsing the attack, Mr. Nurton and his men returned to the beach, and made their way to Madang, whence the attack was reported.

Further trouble with the natives is also reported from Gasmatta (New Britain) and Wide Bay districts.

Another officer and further native police have been sent to the area, and they will remain until order has been restored.

Mr. Nurton’s injuries included a septic compound fracture and dislocation of the left ankle, which was apparently caused by an axe, numerous minor knife wounds, and body abrasions.

The injury to A. D. O. Nurton’s leg proved very serious. Dr. Sinclair, on Sep tember 29, flew from Salamaua to Madang and there joined Dr. McQueen. The two doctors decided that the leg could not be saved and it was amputated below the knee.

Mr. Nurton has been a member of the New Guinea service for 15 years.