"Axe” Is Missing

But B.S.I. Are In Line With

G.M.T.!

From Our Own Correspondent TULAGI, September 19.

A FEW weeks ago clocks in the Tulagi district were advanced 20 minutes. This brings the Solomon Islands into line with the rest of the civilised world —excepting Bermuda— in observing zone time.

Officially this puts us one hour ahead of Australian Eastern standard time, and eleven hours ahead of

G.M.T.

Be that as it may, we are still months, if not years, behind the rest of the civilised world —and perhaps Bermuda—in applying the axe to our over-manned and, we fear, overpaid, Administration.

Most of the old Guard manage to retain a sphinx-like composure in our reproachful presence; but the younger fry of the service are begin ning to show the strain and ,are frankly amazed that at least half their number have not been long ago given “extensive leave.”

Meantime, facing adversity grimly, Mr. Planter takes yet another hitch in his lava-lava. Like his Australian confrere, he has long since relin quished his shirt and trousers to the taxgatherer.