Mr. Grimble’s Long Service.

Double Farewell On

Ocean Is.

From Our Own Correspondent

Ocean Is., Sept. 1.

OCEAN Island was the scene of a double farewell on August 19, when Mr. Arthur Grimble and Mr. and Mrs. Lodge sailed by the S.S.

“Triona” for Australia, on their way to England.

It was with sincere regret that the Europeans and natives of Ocean Island said farewell to the Resident Commis sioner, Mr. Grimble. Genuine feeling was displayed by all, and it was a sad and sick-looking man who left the jetty. Mr. Grimble’s health has been very indifferent for some time past, and it is hoped that he will benefit considerably by his leave.

Rumour has it that he will not come back. If that be the case, he will be missed by many folk, to whom he has endeared himself during his long stay in the Gilbert and Ellice Colony.

Mr. Grimble came to the Islands in 1913, as a cadet, straight from Cam bridge University. He leaves it in 1932 as Resident Commissioner, a fact which speaks for itself.

Departure Of Phosphate

Commissioner.

The British Phosphate Commissioner, Mr. T. Lodge, accompanied by Mrs.

Lodge, has been visiting Ocean Island and Nauru on a tour of inspection.

Mr. and Mrs. Lodge have been most interested in everything they have seen. All who have met them are sorry they have gone. They have left a very warm spot in the hearts of the people, for they radiate good-nature wherever they go.

Mr. Christian, the manager for the

British Phosphate Commissioners on Ocean Island, and Mrs. Christian, gave a farewell luncheon at their home for Mr, and Mrs. Lodge. Mr. Christian, in a few suitable words, wished them “bon voyage.”

Mr. Lodge, in responding, said that when they left England, Ocean Island to them was a mere speck on the map, but, after their most enjoyable visit, it was now a very definite and pleasant place in the world. They were taking back to England the feeling that they had made some good and sincere friends on the Island.

Mr. and Mrs. Lodge also made a trip through the Gilbert Islands, when the S.S. “Triona” was recruiting labour there for Ocean Island.

It is quite probable that this will be the only occasion in the history of Ocean Island, on which two Commis sioners have left for England at the same time and on the same day.