Includes account of wreck of the Speerweer on Prince of Wales Island, massacre of crew and possible detention of white woman; relations between settlers and Aborigines; exploitation of Aborigines and Islanders in beche-de-mer trade; conflict among Aborigines at settlement; includes letter from H.M. Chester to Colonial Secretary, 31 Dec. 1880, on attack by New Guineans on Boigu Islanders; letter from C. Pennefather (Captain of O.G.S. Pearl) 10 Sep. 1882 on exploitation of Islanders in beche-de-mer industry and ill-treatment of women; effect of white colonization; population of Islands; types of houses; tribes mentioned include Koordy (Korraraga), Gadaigan, Gudang, Indooyamoos.
