New 63 ft. Boat Launched by

Kwato Mission

From Our Own Correspondent.

Samarai, July 30.

BEFORE a large gathering of Samarai folk and all Kwato, the launching took place last month of the new M.V.

“Kwato” from the Mission’s slip. The Lieut.-Governor (Sir Hubert Murray) carried out the launching ceremony and Miss Phillis Abel christened the vessel.

Mr. Cecil Abel spoke on the growth of Kwato Mission and referred to the early days, when they had only one small boat.

To-day they have several and the “Kwato”, 63 ft. long with a beam of 15 ft., is the largest. Having a speed of 8 knots, she will engage in cargo-carrying, mostly on account of the Mission, which has large interests in Papua.

Sir Hubert Murray spoke of the early days when Mr. Abel, Snr., was alive, and referred to the way in which Kwato has grown since then. He remarked on the splendid workmanship of the natives who helped to build the new vessel, and par ticularly of the man responsible for the boat being completed, Mr. Arthur Swins field.

Mr. H. B. Sapsford has been appointed Acting Director of the Apia Observatory, Western Samoa, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. J. Wads worth, who left the Territory recently by the “Matua” for England.

Mr. E. W. Pearce, of the Methodist Mission, left Sydney by the July “Macdhui” for Rabaul, N.G.. He is Chairman’s Assistant and Accountant of the district.