“Chum” Jardine

Death Reported Of

IT is reported from Darwin that the death occurred recently in the Aroe Islands, off the coast of Dutch New Guinea, of Mr, H. C. Jardine, who was known throughout Northern Australia as a pearler and trader.

He was generally known, and esteemed, as “Chum” Jardine. He was the eldest son of the late Frank Jardine, a pioneer of the Cape York district, of Queensland.

“Chum” Jardine was a very strong man, and an amazing swimmer. He could beat any native in remaining under water. He was famous for his feats in capturing turtles. He would dive down on to the grassy bottoms where a turtle was seen, seize the creature in a peculiar manner, and force it —one hand on its head and one on its tail, or its “steering apparatus” —to come to the surface. He would do this, for sport, in waters that were literally teeming with sharks.

Hon. Ratu Popi Epeli Cakobau, M.L.C., and Hon. Ratu Joseva Lalabalavu Vanaa- Mali Sukuna, Med. Mil., B.A. (Oxon.), M.L.C., prominent native chiefs of Fiji, have been awarded Certificates of Honour “in recognition of loyal and distinguished service to the Colony.”