Death Of Captain

Austen.

THERE is sincere regret throughout the British Solomons at the passing of Captain A. A. Austen, who died at the Methodist Mission Hospital, Bilua, on February 5.

The late Capt. Austen, who was about 58 years of age, was a native of New Zealand, and for a time was master of the Fiji Government yacht “Ranadi.”

Coming to the Solomons 21 years ago, he took up land in Marovo Lagoon, and engaged in planting and trading.

A capable seaman, he sailed his ves sel to some of the most inaccessible parts of the Protectorate in the course of his recruiting and trading ventures.

On one of those trips, which was unduly prolonged, a report of his death was cir culated, and Captain Austen had the unique experience of reading his own obituary notice in a Fiji newspaper.

Of late, his health being unsatisfac tory, he became something of a recluse and seldom left his Marovo plantation.

A few weeks before his death he suf fered a paralytic stroke, and friends re moved him to Bilua Hospital, where he was admitted in a semi-conscious con dition, in which he remained until the end.

Captain L. Austen, of Papua, is a brother, and a sister resides in New Zealand.