Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), Monday 7 April 1873, page 3


WESTERN A AUSTRIA LIA.

The Western Australia correspondent of the SoAáitítralian Advertiser states that a fearful outrage has been perpetrated by the natives on the north-west coast. Mr. Robert Shea, a pearler, and one of the owners of the schooner Sea Spray, accompanied by it young man named Miller started from Degrey river some time since into the interior to recover the services of some native divers who had broken faith with him. Only a limited supply of provisions was carried. Time wore on, and the travellers did not put in an appearance. Vague rumours were spread as to the prolonged absence of the young men. Finally, the resident magistrate at Roe-bourne despatched an expedition to find out the remains or whereabouts of the travellers. It was after a long and tedious search discovered that they had both fallen victims to the revenge and treachery of the blocks of the interior. Shea had been sucked up into pieces and thrown into a waterhole, from which his head and one of his legs were recovered, while Miller, after having been pierced through and through with spears, was buried in the sand. The aboriginals in this quarter are. most vindictive, cruel, treacherous, and hostile. They have taken many valuable lives of late, and have grown so bold and insolent as to defy the whites to a passage at arms. ^^^^^^^^^^^_^