Mr. H. C. Cardew

Death on May 14

ONE of the best known members of the Public Service of New Guinea, Mr. H.

C. Cardew, died at Rabaul on May 14, Mr. Cardew joined the Papuan Public Service in 1909. He rose to the position of Resident Magistrate; but left this ser vice during the war period, when there was a demand for experienced officials to carry on the administration of New Guinea, just then taken over by Austra lia.

Mr. Cardew was sent as District Officer to Kieta, in Bougainville, where he car ried on under the military regime. Later, he was appointed the first Commissioner of Native Affairs and Director of Educa tion in the New Guinea Civil Administra tion, and was a member of the Advisory Council. Owing to his legal knowledge and experience of native affairs he undertook the task of drafting the first Native Labour Ordinance put into opera tion in New Guinea and this measure, although amended to meet changing con ditions, is still in force. Mr. Cardew also organised the existing system of native schools. He was a man always held in high esteem and his advice was of great value to the various Administrators. He had been in ill health for some time.