Christmas

T.I.’S Gay Throng At

THURSDAY IS., January 2. rpHE arrival of the pearling fleet for the annual lay-up was the distinctive feature of Christmas at Thursday Island.

The coloured crews, many of whom are mission educated, were all ashore, some dressed in gay coloured Milanese shirts and khaki trousers, while others contented themselves with brightly-coloured lava lavas. Intermingled with these gay colours moved the more astute Japanese, and a sprinkling of Malay divers. The men of the white population wore tropical suits.

The crowd moved to Hodel’s general store, where a gigantic plum pudding yielded a toy for every child on the island.

Acute Water Shortage

The continued shortage of water for household use was everywhere apparent. White and coloured people were seen carrying water in kerosene tins, while carriers were working overtime trying to obtain water from wells in which the supply was quite unequal to the demand.

All private owners of wells are rationing the water, having placed locked covers on top of the wells, and opening them only at stated periods.

When the time for opening the wells arrive queues are formed.

Rev. A. Hardie, of Martinborough, New Zealand, has been appointed by the Pres byterian Church of New Zealand to take charge of St. Andrew’s Church at Suva, Fiji. The appointment is for three years, and Mr. Hardie will take up his duties at the beginning of March.