Governor is ‘lost’ in jungle

Published on: Saturday, October 24, 2020

By: British North Borneo Herald

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March 1, 1885

MARUNDONG, the murderer of Minoodeen was tried by the Governor and Resident on the 7th instant and convicted of the crime. He was executed in the gaol on the 12th and death was instantaneous. Much as the necessity for it is to be regretted, there is no doubt of the justice of the sentences the victim was cut down in the most merciless way while sitting on the jam-baton or wharf, before he had a chance of rising to defend himself.

The jury especially drew attention to the courageous conduct of Corporal Allie, a Somali constable, who at considerable risk to himself secured the murderer, not without receiving some severe cuts from his kris. We are glad to learn that he is to receive two months' extra pay and a good conduct stripe for his bravery. This is not the first time the Somalis have proved their value as smart constables.

The Settlement was agitated on the 12th instant by the news that the Governor and two Private Secretaries were lost in the jungle, and everyone was relieved to see them appear in the course of the afternoon on board the Sabine.

They had started on the 10th from Deep Creek with the intention of walking across country to the Beatrice Estate, but were stopped by the rains which flooded all the low country, and had to turn back; and they were, doubtless, very thankful to get back to the civilised comforts of Sandakan after two wet nights in the jungle with very little to eat.

In fine weather the walk would, we believe, be quite practicable and could easily be accomplished in a day.