Tragedy of Jack Hides
Letter to the Editor SOMETHING akin to tragedy lies behind the resignation of Jack Hides from the Papuan Government service.
To those present in Papua at the time of his return from his last famous patrol, and especially after his return from his triumphant reception in Australia, it became evident that with few exceptions the officers of the Papuan service treated this brilliant young officer with coolness.
Apparently young Hides had done the unforgiveable thing—he had achieved fame!
To a sensitive soul like Jack Hides the effect of this reception was devastating.
So bad did his nervous condition become that at last he was ordered South by his medical officer for three months’ complete rest.
There is little doubt that Hides’ ill health was brought about by three main factors. They were: The extreme strain to which he had been subjected, especially on his last famous journey through the lime-stone barrier; the enormous pub licity to which he was exposed when he should have been recovering from the strain; and, lastly, the absence of appre ciation on the part of his fellow-officers (many of whom took up an attitude of chilly aloofness at a time when Hides was most badly in need of sympathy and support).
Jack Hides was fortunate in the friend ship of Sir Hubert Murray (Lieutenant- Governor of Papua) who was absent in England at the time of his resignation.
One thing is very certain, and that is that Hides will not be able to keep away from Papua. He was born in that Terri tory and there is too much of the thing in him. His understanding of native life, his knowledge of the wider spaces and of its people, will all form a chain which he will find himself quite unable to break.
Papua will see Jack Hides again— nothing is more certain—and Papuans generally will be glad of him.
I am, etc.,