Adventures in New Guinea | Page 5

that it may be inquired into."
The formal protectorate was announced in the following terms:--
"To all to whom these presents shall come, greeting:--Whereas it has
become essential for the lives and properties of the native inhabitants of
New Guinea, and for the purpose of preventing the occupation of
portions of that country by persons whose proceedings, unsanctioned
by any lawful authority, might tend to injustice, strife, and bloodshed,
and who, under the pretence of legitimate trade and intercourse, might
endanger the liberties and possess themselves of the lands of such
native inhabitants, that a British protectorate should be established over
a certain portion of such country and the islands adjacent thereto; and
whereas Her Majesty, having taken into her gracious consideration the
urgent necessity of her protection to such inhabitants, has directed me
to proclaim such protection in a formal manner at this place,--now I,
James Elphinstone Erskine, Captain in the Royal Navy and
Commodore of the Australian Station, one of Her Majesty's naval
aides-de-camp, do hereby, in the name of Her Most Gracious Majesty,
declare and proclaim the establishment of such protectorate over such
portions of the coast and the adjacent islands as is more particularly
described in the schedule hereunto annexed; and I hereby proclaim and
declare that no acquisition of land, whensoever or howsoever acquired,

within the limits of the protectorate hereby established will be
recognized by Her Majesty; and I do hereby, on behalf of Her Majesty,
command and enjoin all persons whom it may concern to take notice of
this proclamation.
"SCHEDULE.
"All that portion of the southern shores of New Guinea commencing
from the boundary of that portion of the country claimed by the
Government of the Netherlands on the 141st meridian of east longitude
to East Cape, with all the islands adjacent thereto south of East Cape to
Kosmann Island inclusive, together with the islands in the Goschen
Straits.
"Given on board Her Majesty's ship Nelson, at the harbour of Port
Moresby, on the 6th day of November, 1884."
The die has thus been cast. Already rumours that seem to have some
foundation are in the air that the protectorate is soon to become
annexation. It should be the aim of all to see that, by the force of public
opinion, the last portion of the heathen world that has come under
English protection shall have, as the years pass, many and solid reasons
for thanking God that He has so guided its destinies as to unite them to
our great Empire.
CHAPTER I.
EARLY EXPERIENCES.
Somerset--Murray Island--Darnley Island--Boera--Moresby--Trip
inland--Sunday at Port Moresby--Native funeral
ceremonies--Tupuselei--Round Head--Native
salutations--Kerepunu--Teste Island--Hoop-iron as an article of
commerce--Two teachers landed--A tabooed place--Moresby and
Basilisk Islands--South Cape--House building--Difficulties with the
natives--An anxious moment--Thefts--Dancing and cooking--Visit to a
native village--Native shot on the Mayri--Mr. and Mrs. Chalmers in
danger--Arrival of the Ellengowan.

Towards the close of 1877, Mr. Chalmers and Mr. McFarlane visited
New Guinea for the purpose of exploring the coast, landing native
teachers at suitable spots, and thus opening the way for future
missionary effort. What follows is given in Mr. Chalmers's words:--
We left Sydney by the Dutch steamer William M'Kinnon, on September
20th, 1877, for Somerset. The sail inside the Barrier Reef is most
enjoyable. The numerous islands passed, and the varied coast scenery
make the voyage a very pleasant one--especially with such men as our
captain and mates. On Sunday, the 30th, we reached Somerset, where
we were met by the Bertha, with Mr. McFarlane on board of her. Mr.
McFarlane was soon on board of the steamer to welcome us, and
remained with us till the evening. There was very little of the Sabbath
observed that day--all was bustle and confusion. Quite a number of the
pearl-shelling boats were at Somerset awaiting the arrival of the
steamer, and the masters of these boats were soon on and around the
steamer receiving their goods.
On Tuesday, October 2nd, we left Somerset in the Bertha, for Murray
Island, anchoring that night off Albany. On Wednesday night, we
anchored off a sandbank, and on Thursday, off a miserable-looking
island, called Village Island. On Friday, we came to York Island, where
we went ashore and saw only four natives--one man and three boys. At
eleven p.m. on Saturday, we anchored at Darnley Island. This is a fine
island, and more suitable for vessels and landing goods than Murray,
but supposed to be not so healthy. The island is about five hundred feet
in height, in some parts thickly wooded, in others bare. It was here the
natives cut off a boat's crew about thirty years ago, for which they
suffered--the captain landing with part of his crew, well-armed, killing
many and chasing them right round the island. They never again
attempted anything of the kind. As a native of