Tidal Wave

In Northern New Guinea

Houses Washed To Sea

And Natives Drowned

FOLLOWING an earthquake a tidal wave swept northern New Guinea on December 24, and, according to reports so far received in Sydney, missions, trading stations and plantations were damaged. It is reported six natives lost their lives. The wave varied in height from four to 25 feet and reached inland for a distance of 300 yards. About 40 miles of the northern coastline were swept, and also the Western Islands, near Manus.

The first definite news of the wave was received by Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia) Ltd., Sydney, from its station on Manus. It was as follows: "Steamer Duris, belonging to W. R.

Carpenter & Co. Ltd., advises that an earthquake was felt on the morning of December 24, and that a tidal wave struck the Western Islands, at a height of eight feet at Awinn, and four feet at Pellelluhn. Houses, cattle, etc., at Awinn washed to sea, manager and boys escaped by climbing palm trees.

Now living on beach. Anchorites untouched; Hermits struck, but no information. Fate of Matty and Aua, and especially small, unprotected Allison Island unknown. Direction of wave from south-east.”

A later message received by the Prime Minister’s Department, Canberra, from the Administrator of the Territory (General Wisdom) indicated that 40 miles of coastline in the vicinity of Madang had been also swept. The Sapora Mission Station and a trading settlement had been wiped out. It was reported as well that a trading station at Uligen was destroyed. Six natives lost their lives and three others were injured.

No word has been received as to how plantations along the coast fared. It would appear that those in the Western Islands have been damaged, although to what extent is not yet known.

These islands are entirely given over to copra production. The plantation on Pellelluhn is owned by a Mr. Bennett, and that on Awinn by a Mr. Baxter.

Those on the Anchorite Islands are operated by Copra Plantations Ltd. The plantation on the Hermits, it is understood, was recently taken over by the Custodian of Expropriated Properties. ———