Ng Natives Slain With Jap

Rifles

LAE, Jan. 8.

THREE natives of a group which lives on the upper reaches of the Mark ham, were killed by other natives using Japanese rifles.

The killers are believed to be members of a semi-nomadic group, who were con tacted by the Administration just prior to the war. However, due to the very rugged type of country, no patrols have been through the area for some time. The area is believed to be around the head of the Leron, The native who reported the killings to the QIC, Kaiapit, brought in 2 or 3 used Jap cartridge cases.

As soon as the report reached Lae an Auster aircraft was chartered from GAT to enable Mr. Gus O’Donnell, ADO, Morobe, to take a look at the area from the air, so as to plot the easiest and quickest route in. A oatrol will leave immediately to investigate.

Mr. Max (“Mick”) Little, who has played prominently in Sheffield Shield cricket in Australia, has settled down in Bulolo, New Guinea, and is taking a keen and helpful interest in sport. He played for NSW when only 17. Then, in 1940, he enlisted, saw servicec in North Africa, New Guinea, and Europe, and finished with the rank of captain, a Military Cross, and other distinctions. He was at Darwin as a Qantas traffic officer for a time, and captained the Darwin Eleven.