Thursday Is. Notes.

From Out Own Correspondent.

T. I., August 5.

THE reduction of the tariff on buttons has had a strengthening effect on the trochus market, as Japan has resumed importing buttons into Australia. The demand for trochus has become very steady and the price averages about £60 per ton. and inclined to increase. As the trochus is almost entirely Australasian in its produc tion, it is regrettable that the raw material and the finished article are, in this sense, competing with one another.

The Mission held in the Anglican Cathedral during the early weeks of July attracted large congregations at every service. Rev. Father Homersham, of the community of the Ascension, assisted by the Rev. A. G. Housden, of the Mitchell River Mission, was the missioner. We cannot speak too highly of the personality of both missioners, who quickly established con fidence with the local people.

Three vachts, all engaged in long ocean cruises, have come into T.I. lately. The "Gulmarn,” bound from Australia to England, attracted most attention, chiefly since this much advertised cut ter proved to be very small for so long a voyage.

"The Southern Cross” left the Clyde in October, 1930, and, after prolonged calls at Tahiti and Brisbane, continued her circuit of the globe via Bali, Cocos Islands and South Africa. The third vessel, "Vileehi,” hails from America and is well fitted out and manned for a long cruise.

Dr. Nimmo will shortly take over the duties of hospital and civil surgeon in place of Dr.

Vernon, resigned. He graduated at Sydney University, worked in the pathological depart ment at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and was for many years in practice in the Riverina district, and latterly in Brisbane. Dr. Nimmo is a returned soldier, having seen service with the A.I.F. during the war, and we have every reason to believe that he will be an acquisition to the Island. Mrs. Nimmo will be welcomed by many old friends on Thursday Island, as she was born and spent her early school days here.

Races for the May Flag have been held most Saturdays and a good deal of keenness exists between rival boats for the championship. The Jean, sailed by Mr. Stan. Murray, is leading in points and she will be a hard boat to beat on present position. The Aquatic Club keeps going, and we trust it will long continue a feature of Thursday Island's sporting life.