Late Mr. R. F. Whitten

Death Removes Fine Type of Merchant From Papua

From Our Own Correspondent.

Port Moresby, May 2.

IT was with great regret that residents throughout the Territory learned of sudden death of Robert F. Whitten, at his residence in Samarai on April 16. He had been, apparently, in excellent health, but, while talking to friends, he collapsed suddenly. His death was due to heart failure.

Mr. Whitten came to the Territory about 1893, to join his elder brother, Wil liam Whitten, who had arrived in the Governor Blackball with Sir Peter Scrat chley, first Administrator of Papua, in 1885.

Attracted by trading prospects, Wil liam Whitten set out on his own account and sailed his schooners among the is lands and along the coast of the main land, to beyond Samarai. When trade and settlement increased, Robert Whitten joined him. Whitten Bros, established a store at Samarai which has prospered to this day. It was followed by a business in Port Moresby, which continued until 1934.

Whitten Bros, were intimately con cerned with the development of every goldfield and enterprise in the Territory.

For many years, in the opening of both the old Yodda and Lakekamu goldfields, they undertook the greater part of the transport between the fields and the coast, recruited labourers for work on the

different claims, and established stores, first on the coast and, later, in the centre of mining operations.

Always the friend of the miners, both “Bill” and “Bob” helped and grubstaked many a man who was at the end of his resources, and the firm has had more acts of generosity to its credit than any other business concern in the history of Papua.

William Whitten died some 20 years ago, since when the whole of the firm’s interests, which are extensive, were car ried on by R. F. Whitten, a popular and trusted figure whom the residents of Papua will sadly miss. His knowledge of the country and its conditions led to a seat on the Legislative Council, which he held for over seven years.

Robert Whitten was twice married; on the first occasion, to Miss Melville, of Cooktown. His daughter, Miss Elsie Whitten, (who was, first, Mrs. R. M.

Bunting and is now Mrs. T. Edgell, of New Guinea), and his second wife (who was Miss Clarke, of Sydney) survive him.

Mr. A. L. Lewis arrived at Rarotonga by the Matua in April on a six months' visit in connection with the Cook Islands interests of Messrs. W. H. Grove and Sons Ltd., of Auckland, N.Z. He was formerly in Western Samoa as secretary of Messrs. O. F. Nelson and Co.

Mr. Gordon Reed, late of the radio stations at Salamaua and Manus, New Guinea, has been transferred to Ade

laide, South Australia, after 12 years'

service in the Mandated Territory. His wife and two children, Dorothy and Gordon, accompanied him to his new post.