Of Woodlark Island, Papua.
p. 25 · Read in the full issue
Late Mr. F. A. Rochfort.
ANOTHER old pioneer, explorer and gold-digger passed away on October 26, F. A. Rochfort, aged 79, still work ing his gold claim on Woodlark Island right to the end. He arrived with the first band of gold diggers in Papua, 35 year ago. Mr. P, A. Rochfort belonged to an old Northumbrian family. He and his brother came to Australia when little more than boys, with a capital of £125,000 stg., which they invested in station property. Owing to the seven years drought they lost all their capital.
Frank Rochfort was in every sense of the word a highly cultured British gentleman of a bygone age, holding the highest principles, who scorned a lie and never broke his word. Too independent to accept a position on wages or salary, and always following up the goldfields, he worked by himself and for himself. He was a fine type of the courageous, independent band of explorers and settlers that are now. alas, almost extinct. Vale Frank Roch fort.
Miss A. M, Griffin, B.A., who is at tached to the staff of the Methodist Missionary Society in Fiji, arrived in Sydney recently. She is proceeding to India to gain further experience for her work among the Indian population of Fiji. Miss Griffin expects to be away from the colony for about 12 months.