New Guinea News

... ——— More Confident Feeling—Club’s Enterprise ... ———

From Our Own Correspondent.

RABAUL, October 30.

THE gradual rise in the price of copra, coupled with the reduction in the export duty, has given a feeling of renewed confidence. But, although the price has advanced appreciably, it is still far below the figure required to give the planter a fair return for his efforts and, at the same time, allow him sufficient margin to meet the instalments due to the Custodian on the purchase price of his property and the interest on the unpaid balance.

Rumours are rife that the exchange rate on London, at present standing at 31½ per cent., may be reduced in the near future. As the present rate represents a bonus to the planter of approximately £2/15/- per ton, it will be understood that the reduction will be a serious matter.

Serious Motor Accident.

Mr. Harry Woolcott, a well-known planter and owner of Kabanga Plantation in the Kokopo district, met with a serious motor accident on the Malaguna Road. In passing between the trees

in the centre of the road, Mr. Woolcott struck one with great force, completely smashing one side of the car.

Mr. Woolcott was rendered unconscious and remained in this state for three days. His right hand and wrist were badly injured, and it is exceedingly fortunate that the injuries will not be permanent. Mr. Woolcott has made a good recovery and is now out of hospital.

Rabaul Club’S New Premises.

The new premises' of the Rabaul Club were opened this month and an inaugural ball was given to celebrate the occasion. The function, which was by invitation, was largely attended; in fact, so much so, that it is believed even in Rabaul “gate-crashing” is practised!

The buildings are both extensive and commodious, comprising a large and cool vestibule, reading, card and billiard rooms. There is also an associates’ club room for the use of lady members and a number of bedrooms for visiting country members. The constructional work was carried out by Bay Loo Co. Ltd., at a cost of £4,000.

Death Of Mrs. Pennefather.

We regret to announce the death of Mrs.

Pennefather, wife of Mr. V. B, Pennefather, of Tokua Plantation, Kokopo District, after a long and distressing illness. Mrs. Pennefather had been resident in the Territory for over twelve years. She was exceptionally popular and held the respect of all with whom she came in contact. She was a loyal friend and will be greatly missed by residents of Kokopo District. The funeral service was held at St. George’s Church and was attended by the Acting Administrator (Mr. Justice Wanliss, C.M.G.), and a large number of friends. The service at the graveside was crowded. The greatest sympathy is felt for Mr.

Pennefather and his two small children.

Fine Amateur Production.

The Rabaul Amateur Dramatic Society treated us to another performance this week, and this occasion staged “Tilly of Bloomsbury,” adapted from the novel, “Happy Go Lucky,” by Ian Hay. As the play requires 16 players, it was an ambitious attempt by Mr. E. B. Ayriss to put this on with an amateur cast, but the results fully justified his decision. Notable work was done by Mr. Leo Tracey, a newcomer to Rabaul, in the part of Mr. Welwyn, the amiable but worthless father of Tilly; and a very fine performance was given by Mrs. Eva Banks, as the

illiterate and hard-working wife, who treated the part with sympathy and understanding. The difficult and big part of Tilly was bravely tackled by Miss Marjorie Hawnt.

In this particular production the acting of the smaller parts, with the exception of those mentioned, was more meritorious than the leading players and, in particular, Miss Lofts’ performance of the aged grandmother was the most skilful piece of acting we have yet seen here.

Another very clever impersonation was that of Mr. Arthur Smith, as the curate. Mr. V. Gordon did excellently in the low comedy part of Percy Welwyn, and was responsible for most of the hearty laughter heard at each of the three performances. It is unfortunate that better parts were not found for Mr. J, E. Savage and for Miss Dorothy Burston, another newcomer who shows much promise.

Personal Items.

Mrs. G. H. Luxmore, the popular manageress of the Rabaul Hotel and a well known identity in New Guinea, left here for Australia by S.S.

Nankin. The esteem in which she was held was demonstrated by the functions arranged in her honour and by the numerous presentations made to her by sections of the permanent guests at the hotel.

Mr. W. R. Carpenter, chairman of the firm bearing his name, accompanied by Mrs. Carpenter, and his two daughters, travelled from Sydney by M.V. Macdhui and made the round trip to the outports. On this occasion a special call was

made at Pondo to lift a shipment of desiccated coconut, and this gave Mr. Carpenter an opportunity to inspect this plantation, which is under the control of his company. Passengers on the Macdhui were entertained on shore and shown over the factory. Mr. J. A. Carpenter, who had been on a business visit to Rabaul, returned to Sydney with his brother.

Mr. G. H. Roberts, stores manager of Burns, Philp & Co. Ltd., at Rabaul, was married on the 5th instant to Miss N. Coffey. The honeymoon was spent on the Macdhui on a tour of the outports.

Another recent wedding was that of Mr. F. R.

Jolley to Mrs. Watson, which took place at the Catholic Mission, at Vunapope.

Dr. N. B. Watch, who has been on holiday to Sydney, returned by S.S. Tanda. Dr. Spence, who, until recently, has been in the Government Medical Service, has now joined Dr. Watch in partnership in private practice at Rabaul.

Dr, and Mrs. H, C. Hosking, of the Medical Department, left by S.S. Tanda on long leave and intend visiting China, Japan and England.

Mr. E. Taylor, District Officer for New Britain, who has been on leave, has returned and taken up his duties at Kokopo.

On the 14th instant S.S. Nankin, the new vessel of the E. and A. Line, made her first call at Rabaul and a large number of residents were entertained by the commander of this very fine vessel. ===