Oxford Movement In

Eastern Papua

Letter to the Editor.

THE startling information given to th,e Southern newspapers by a member of the Kwato Mission (a Mr. Geof frey Baskett) has interested all settlers in Eastern Papua.

The neaa-huntmg tribes referred to by Mr. Baskett are, no doubt, those ferocious canibals residing in the wilds of Rogeia, Sariba, and Mime Bay, who have long been a menace to the township of Sa marai! It is good to know we can at last (thanks to th,e Oxford Movement, and especially to th,e strenuous exertions of Mr. Baskett) visit these localities with out having to lug a small arsenal around with us.

We regret, however, that so far Mr.

Baskett has not seen lit to extend his influence of the Oxford Movement to the adjacent islands of Gesila and Eboma; inhabited by a highly dangerous type of native, sadly needing the attention of ex ponents of the truth, and the inculcation of all the other virtues promulgated by the Movement, and exemplified in its members.

The residents of Samarai can now sleep more soundly (in their beds, or on the deck-chairs of the hotel verandahs, ac cording to taste), thanks to the Oxford Movement in part, but especially through the labours of men like Mr. Baskett who have apparently saved us from decapita tion, and the cooking-pot.

As the writer is aged, and of meagre proportions, it is up to the more corpu lent of the Samarai residents to make some fitting expression of gratitude.

I am, etc.,

E. W. Harrison.

Sebulugomwa, Papua, 6/5/*3B.