"Old Jew"

TVERY “old hand” in Papua and New Guinea knows Mr. Les Joubert, who was the late Frank Pryke’s mate and partner in many a hazardous prospecting, exploring and mining enterprise. Mr. Joubert returned recently from New Guinea, and was in Sydney when his old mend died.

Frank Pryke was always scribbling; and his verses which have been published in the P T M show more than anything else, the kindness and wide-hearted tolerance of the man.

“He was an amazing fellow,’’ said Mr. Joubert, recently. “He could not bear to hurt anyone.

I remember an occasion, in Papua, when we were attacked by wild natives. After it was over, Frank had a couple of arrows sticking in him : yet he would not let us shoot the natives. ‘The poor cows naturally think we are their enemies,' he said. ‘Don’t kill them unless you’ve absolutely got to.’ He was a marvel with natives—he could do anything with them,”

We found, among the verses sent in by Mr.

Pryke to the P.1.M., the following tribute to his old-time mate, written when Mr. Pryke was living at Komiatum.

A MAN of French extraction.

Born on good Australian soil, A man who stands for action— Though no lover of hard toil!

And I have always found in him A comrade tried and true; Tho’ prone to many a wayward whim— My friend and mate. Old Jew.

He’s been a shanty-keeper And skipper of a boat; He’s tapped the rubber creeper To make his credit float.

He’s been among the divers.

And has traded in pearl-shell.

Of the woolly Orokaivas Weird stories he can tell.

He’s been in jams, both tight and queer.

And wrecked on coral sands; He’s been a planter’s overseer In far-off northern lands.

And in him I have always found A comrade staunch and true.

Wherever we have battled round— My mate and friend. Old Jew.

He’s tried to make a living In a hundred different ways; But was much too fond of giving— A plan that rarely pays.

Men only had to tell a tale In sad and mournful tone, / And few were ever known to fail To sting him for a “loan.”

He’s lived his life quite gaily, In his harum-scarum way— E’en danced with Binandele, On the shores of Buna Bay.

And now wherever he is bound, Whate’er he finds to do.

May good luck always stick around My mate and friend. Old Jew.

Frank Pryke.