Youthful Veterans Of

Eastern Papua

From a Special Correspondent.

Pt. Moresby, Feb. 20.

RECENTLY I had occasion to walkabout the eastern end of Papua, and I found remarkable evidence of the effect of our tropical climate.

First, I travelled xhto Samarai with Captain Andersen, of the “Papuan Chief.” Apple-cheeked and smart, in shorts, he looks a well-preserved 50; act ually, he is 70. Elias Solomon, at Sama rai, is close on 70, but is full of plans for developing his land. Dick Talbot, owner (with his brother Charlie), of Puni-puni, is well over 70, and as sprightly as an M.C. at an outback ball.

Jack Gray, of Annie Inlet, can (and does) refer to Henry Dexter as “a smart young fellow.” Jack speaks of the days of Sir William MacGregor as if they had ceased but last Shrove Tuesday. His eyes have “gone back on him,” the rheu matism cramps his style a trifle, and the malaria gets him down now and again; but, apart from that he is “pretty jake.”

He is more than half-way through his seventies, but lives an active oudoor ex istence, travelling frequently on foot be tween his two plantations, which are quite a few miles apart.

Dr. Harse, of Tomino, is also a septu

agenarian. The excellent state of his rubber trees bears ample evidence of his activity, even if one could ignore the testimony of his robust appearance, clear eye and springy gait.

The extensive repair and reconstruction of the Government wharf at Vavau, Tonga, gave the natives of this place some work to do. Five years ago they would not work for less than 8/a day; now they are glad to get 3/- a day. —Finau Photo.