Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1890-10-02
WARRIORS OF NEW aUINEA.
The Awful Mani Catcher Used by q
People Who Live in Trees,

| EcOplC w uO 1.-Two IN IfeeS.
One of the most noticeable character
istics of the warriors of New Guinea i.
their treacherous mode of attack. Ont
may enter village and be welcomed by
a crowd of unarmed men who will show
every sign of friendship; but once they
see their opportunity-once the party is
dispersed, arms laid down or some
asleep-then in second the natives are
around and rush to the attack.
Extreme vigilance must at all times
be observed. Then, again, while march.
ing along the tracks through the bush
country, natives will readily mark the
approach of the Europeans. They will
watch their opportunity again, keep
some distance ahead OF the advancing
troops or move along parallel tracks in
the scrub, and make the most of any op-
portunity of sudden attack, such as
during halt or when the party has be-
come somewhat dispersed.
The general method of attack in most
parts of New Guinea seems to be that OF
charging up toward the enemy, and,
when within, say twenty to thirty yards,
throwing their long spears. Some OF
them are wonderfully good shots and can
send their spears through dog running
away thirty yards from them. But spears
are not the only arms.
In the west of British New Guinea
bows and arrows are much used, and are,
of course, far more formidable than the
spears, as their range is much greater
and the aim much more accurate; the
natives practise by shooting at cocoanuts
in the trees. 1t is probable that neither
spears nor arrows are ever poisoned in
New Guinea.
Another primitive weapon of offence
which is sometimes used, especially at
the East End, is the sling. A few stones
are carried, often nearly as big as ones
fist, and these are hurled with twist of
the arm very similar to the action of Or
dinary throwing (without twirling the
sling round over the head as is done else
where). The natives seem to vary great
deal in their ability to throw stones,
some being marvellously good, both in
accuracy of aim and in great distance,
perhaps 200 to 300 yards; while, on the
other hand, many Others are very feeble
in their efforts.
The natives of certain districts possess
a most curious instrument, used more for
the capture and slaughter of an already
vanquished foe than for actual attack.
1t consists of stick three feet long, on
the end of which is piece of cane bent
round like the iron of landing net, and
OF such size as to easily slip over
mans head. On the end of the stick is
fixed sharp stake, the point of which
comes nearly to the centre of the cane
ring. In chasing a fleeing enemy the
warrior holds out his ''man catcher" and
puts the cane ring over the unfortunate
fugitive's head, when sudden pull
back causes the latter to stop short and
fall backward upon the sharp stake,
which runs into his neck Just at the base
of the skull, and he is instantly killed.
One of the many curiosities to be met
with in New Guinea are the tree houses.
They are used as lookout towers, and
also for defence. Many villages have q
house built in one of the biggest trees in
the village, connected by ladder with
the ground.
On the approach of On enemy the in
habitants retire to this refuge, and are
then not only out of harms way-being
above the range of spear-but also
spears and stones, of which store is
kept, can be hurled down upon their en-
emies from above. These tree houses are
used around the palisades as galleries to
protect them.
The natives, as rule, are very quick at
distributing news. There are many
means of signaling and making known
various facts. The tom-tom is favoritc
instrument, as in all uncivilized places.
Generally it is played when the men are
assembling for a warlike purpose, but
not always. 1t is occasionally used on
other occasions. Trumpeting on large
shells has more significant meaning.
On the approach of danger, the weird
sounds of these horns can be heard for
miles around as they are taken up from
village to village. Another elaborate sys-
tenn of signaling is by watch fires. Some
times these are lighted in rows of two or
three, and many of the hills have their
beacons alight at night. Even the smoke
in daytime is said to convey its meaning
to those on the lookout.