Improper Use of Man’s Name

Solomon Is. Affairs

ABOUT last March we received a letter, apparently from a resident of the Solomons, dealing with native crime in the Solomons. The signature on the letter appeared to be that of Mr. F. H. L. Whit lock. The letter was published in good faith in the April number of the “P.I.M.”

Subsequently, we received a communica tion from Mr. F. H. L. Whitlock, of Cape Marsh, Solomon Islands, and as a result of further correspondence we are now satisfied that Mr. Whitlock did not write the article to which we refer; that some unauthorised person used his name; and that the article in question did not neces sarily represent the views of Mr. Whitlock.

The use of another man’s name in these circumstances is a dastardly thing; and we are taking steps to place the whole matter in the hands of the proper authori ties who, we hope, will deal adequately with the offence. In the meantime, we publish this explanation and our apologies to Mr. Whitlock.

While on this, subject, we may say that we have had a letter from a well known resident of Tulagi. B.S.I., Mr. John Ellis, in which Mr. Ellis humorously complains that he is being credited with writing various articles for the “P.I.M.” concerning B.S.I. affairs. We should be glad at any time to publish the opinions of a man so well known as Mr. Ellis; but we must admit sorrowfully that Mr. Ellis has not been among our regular or even occasional contributors, and that the interesting views which have been attributed to him have come from the pens of others.