New Guinea Notes

Administration Closes Mount Hagen Area

From Our Own Correspondent

Rabaul, Feb. 9.

AS a result of the tragic death of Father Mor schheuser and the subsequent passing away of Brother Eugene, who were attacked by natives in the Mount Hagen area, the Administra tion has decided definitely to close the "uncontrolled'’ areas in this part of the mainland. Govern ment patrols are now penetrating to villages where disturbances have occurred, and no other white parties will be allowed to enter the region.

Official sanction has been granted for members of the N.G. Legislative Council to bear the cour tesy title of “Honourable” during their term of office.

The motor ketch “Marina,” when leaving Rabaul Harbour recently, was struck by a nor'-west squall, and capsized when off Matupi Point. While being towed in the vessel sank in 13 fathoms of water, but was subsequently salvaged by the Japanese diver Nozaki.

The Rabaul Dramatic and Musical Society held a successful musicale on January 28, under the capable supervision of Mrs. Clive Backhouse. The string quartette, consisting of Messrs. Hopkins and Thornthwaite (violins), Haslam (cello), and Mrs. Backhouse (pianiste) rendered several items which were well received. The vocalists were:

Madames Bates and Youlden, and Messrs. Clive Mears and Virgil King. An outstanding item of the programme was an able pianoforte solo rendered by Mr. Keith Chambers.

On January 21 Rabaul hot air dried copra was quoted at £11/1/6 per ton in store Rabaul. This is the best price paid for our staple product since February, 1933, and, consequently, the rise has gladdened the hearts of all local planters and traders.

Advice has been received from the Australian Customs authorities to the effect that New Guinea residents, when taking their cars with them to Australia, are now permitted to enter into a guarantee instead of having to deposit in cash the value of their car during the time it is being used in Australia. This permission is a great convenience to New Guinea residents, who in the past have not always found it practicable to make a cash deposit while on leave.

During December the exports of copra from the Territory amounted to 2,941 tons. The amount shipped to Australia was 600 tons; the balance being exported to European ports, of which 1,195 tons was consigned to the United Kingdom.

The District Office of New Britain has been transferred from Kokopo to Rabaul and the Dis trict Officer, Mr. Don Waugh, and his staff have taken up their residence in Rabaul.

On February 9, the Rabaul Bowling Club was officially opened by His Honour the Administrator, assisted by Mrs. McNicoll, who bowled the first bowl. The greens were in excellent condition, and there was a good attendance. The club’s presi dent is Mr. T. W. Ellis, who for some time now has been an enthusiastic worker for its formation.

The secretary is Mr. J. E. Bennie.

The engagement has been announced of Miss Donella Refshauge, ok Melbourne, who has been attached to the Custodian’s office here, and Mr.

J. R. Walker of the Commonwealth Bank staff, Rabaul. Miss Refshauge recently departed for South on the “Montoro.”