Torres Strait News

From Our Own Correspondent

Thursday, Is., Dec. 9.

THE Queensland Government ketch Melbidir and * the Mission Stations along* the Gulf of Car pentaria all have been fitted with radio outfits both for reception and transmission. Equipment on the larger Torres Strait islands will be estab lished later.

Mr. K. O. Mackenzie, who formerly was inter ested in the Torres Strait pearl-shelling industry, passed away suddenly at Barcaldine, Queensland, recently.

Mr. Preece, of Madiri, Fly River, Western Division of Papua, was brought over recently from Daru, by P.O.D.’s Sikorsky amphibian for treatment in the Torres Strait Hospital* for blood poisoning. Another employee came over by sea plane later for medical attention. Both have now returned to their duties in Papua.

Miss Clarice Hayton, of the staff of St. Paul’s Mission on Moa Island, Torres Strait, has gone on her first furlough which she will spend in Tasmania.

Mr. E. Sareanalis has been appointed to the T.I. Town Council to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Alderman Burgess.

Mr. Jack F. Spiers, manager at Yan

dina, Russell Group, 8.5.1., for the

Malayta Company (now the Fairy mead

Sugar Co.), died in October. He was

well known throughout the Group, having

spent nearly 15 years in the Solomons.