Torres Strait Notes

From Our Own Correspondent.

Thursday Is., Oct. 3.

OUR cable has been broken for some weeks between Horn Island and Cape York in the Endeavour Strait through constant chaf ing on the coral reefs. A spell of calm weather enabled the mechanic to effect repairs, though for a while T.I. was dependent entirely upon the radio station.

Several local pearlshellers have been giving evi dence in Brisbane before the Tariff Board com mittee of enquiry, which has been investigating the question of a Government bounty to assist the Australian marine industry. Objections have been raised to a bounty, as it would doubtless in volve irksome Government control. It is still hoped that the local M.O.P. business will see better days, when some of the existitig handi caps are removed.

Mr. Cecil Done, T.I. Town Clerk, is in Bris bane on town council business. Amongst other matters he arranged a deputation to the Govern ment relating to additional unemployment relief money for the benefit of local men, who are awaiting an improvement in the marine industry.

Mr. Stoyles, officer-in-charge of the radio station, has left on transfer, and Mr. Baker has taken his position.

Mr. Goforth, of the T.I. State School, had to journey hurriedly to Australia for an internal operation. Mr. Ross, of Herberton, has arrived as the relieving teacher.

Mr. Provis has come from Sydney to take charge of the shipping department at the local branch of Messrs. Bums, Philp & Co.

Mr, Ernest Stephens, another victim of the Great War, has been laid to rest in our local cemetery. He had been ill for many months. The pall-bearers were members of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, which was strongly repre sented at the funeral.