Rabaul Eruption

Gallant Services

Recognised

Officials and Civilians In Rabaul Eruption

TT was announced in Canberra on * December 15 that the following hon ours had been conferred by the King, in recognition of “services performed during the volcanic eruption near Rabaul in May”: Knight Commander of Order of British Empire: Brig.-General W. Ramsay McNicoll, Administrator.

Commander of Order of British Empire: Judge F. B. Phillips. In the absence of the Administrator, he took control of the situation, and very quickly and efficiently created and operated an organisation for the evacuation of the town, the feeding and housing of the population and the carrying-on of essential services.

Officer of Order of British Empire: Mr. J. C. Mullaly, M.L.C., of Rabaul.

Mr. W. B, Ball, acting superintendent of police.

Member of Order of British Empire: Dr. R. W. Cooper, medical officer.

Dr. N. B. Watch, of Rabaul.

King's Police Medal: Mr. W. B. Prior, acting inspector of police.

Medal of Civil Division of Order of British Empire: Mrs. Kathleen Bignell, of Rabaul.

Mr. L. W. Heinicke, of Rabaul.

Mr. John Barrie, of Rabaul.

Mr. Eric Hopkins, of Rabaul.

Concerning the awards, it was an nounced:— Mr. Mullaly rendered valuable assis tance in caring for the natives of the devastated areas of the north coast.

Mr. Ball organised the police, both European and native, in a most efficient manner.

Dr Cooper remained in Rabaul throughout the disturbance, and his ef forts to restore the sanitation of Rabaul helped considerably to make reoccupation possible.

Dr. Watch was allotted duty as medi cal officer at Kokopo, and gave excellent service.

Mr. Prior, in charge of the Rabaul police district, remained at his post throughout the disturbance.

Mrs. Bignell, lessee of the Rabaul Hotel, rendered invaluable service in supplying meals and accommodation to officers and volunteers.

Mr. Heinicke, a member of the staff of Burns, Philp and Co. Ltd., volunteered for any service required, and undertook the work of driving a motor lorry be tween Rabaul and Nodup, and rendered conspicuous service.

Mr. Barrie, engineer in charge of the Rabaul electricity power house, remain ed at his post and kept the electric light and power going throughout the first 48 hours of the eruption. He was directly

responsible for the power being restored to the wireless station at Malaguna.

Mr. Hopkins was engaged in motor hire work and immediately placed his fleet of cars at the disposal of the Ad ministration. He afterwards took charge on behalf of the Administration, of all motor transport in Rabaul.