Tragic Deaths at Wau.

From Our Own Correspondent WAU, January 1. r pHERE have been three tragic deaths A here recently, all men well-known and well-liked.

Mr. Prank McKee, formerly of Port Moresby, Papua, was drowned in the Lower Watut River at Maralinan, while attempting to swim the river. His body was carried eight miles down stream. The Ashton brothers rendered great help in re covering the body, and in assisting Mrs.

McKee.

Mr. Alex. Hoath, of the Administration Services, recently passed away in Wau hospital. The cause of death was “Japan ese river fever,” and the end came sud denly. He was very popular in Morobe dis trict and always joined in all social and sporting activities.

Mr. Reg. Moran, of New Guinea Gold fields staff, at Golden Ridges, died in hos pital on December 22. He had been ill for some time with internal trouble and had entered hospital on numerous occasions.

About a week ago he left the hospital feel ing particularly well. Taking part in a cricket match on Sunday last, he suffered a relapse, and died in hospital during a spasm of violent retching. A sad feature of his death was that he had just made arrangements to join his wife and little girl in Australia.

It is reported that Mr. Gus Davoren, who has been missing for some weeks now, was last seen swimming in the Watut River. Residents fear that he has been drowned.

Mr. Fred. R. Isom, of the Melanesian

Mission Press, Guadalcanal, Solomon

Islands, returned to the Group with his wife and small daughter by the “Malaita” on December 24. They spent their furlough in England.