We Apologise and Withdraw.

Several months ago we received a letter from an irate subscriber in Papua who had not re ceived his P.I.M. Our records showed that the paper had been posted.

We had received other complaints in similar circumstances; it was very irritating.

So we published a little paragraph apologising to these disappointed subscribers, and expressing the opinion that the missing journals must have been stolen from up-country post offices.

We thus stepped from the frying pan into the fire.

The Chief Postmaster of Papua (Mr. E. C.

Harris) fastened his teeth into us, and demanded particulars of allegedly stolen newspapers.

Naturally, we were not able to supply details — only surmises and suspicions—which are of no use to a competent administrative officer.

Recognising the weakness of our position, we offered lengthy explanations, and tried to bluff.

It was no use. Mr. Harris was definitely on the warpath in defence of his staff and organisa tion, and we had either to substantiate the charge or withdraw.

We have withdrawn—and we hope to goodness no more Papuan subscribers fail to receive their journals. We emphatically do not want any more arguments with the tenacious Mr. Harris.