Madang Notes.

Madang, T.N.G., Oct. 15.

It is with regret that I report the death of Mr. W. H. (“Bill”) Murphy, who died on September 25.

For some time he had been in ill health and on Saturday the doctor ad vised he was much better. But on Sun day he took a turn for the worse, and it proved fatal. Fever was the main cause, but a weak heart accentuated matters.

Strangely enough, some time ago a Greek named A. Crambovitis was en gaged in distilling the oil from the bark of the Massoi tree, and he died from fever. Mr. Murphy carried on the part nership with Mr. Crambovitis’ partner, George Bartsos. It rather makes one wonder about the locality of that plant.

Just after dark, towards the end of September, there was a great commotion in the town. A burning ship was sighted about mile off the coast. The District Officer, and his assistant, chartered a boat and proceeded immediately to the scene. After searching for some time for the vessel, the flare of which had de creased considerably, it was found to be not a ship in distress, but merely a bush fire further down the coast. It is now not safe to discuss burning ships with the D.O.

The repairs to the wharf are being carried out under the guiding hand of Mr. Woodman, of the Administrative staff. When the whole work is com

pleted it will be more pleasing to the eye than when repairs were effected some two years ago.

Some years ago a petition, addressed to the Administrator, was signed by the residents of Madang with the request that a female nurse be attached to the Madang Hospital. Considering the white population in this district now, it is surprising that nothing has been done.