Robert Rasch, Of Nauru,

Dead At 86

THE death occurred on October 31 in his home at Ana, Ewa district, Nau ru, of the oldest European inhabit ant of the island, Herr Ludwig August Robert Rasch, a summary of whose life

story, including a period of over fifty years’ residence on Nauru, was publish ed in the August Deceased, who was 86 years of age, was little known to the Europeans of the island, having spent his last few years in close association with his fam ily. A copy of the photograph publish ed in the “P.1.M.” in September, taken this year on the occasion of his birth day, had been sent to his people in Konigsberg, East Prussia, some weeks prior to his death.

His body was interred beside that of his native wife, who predeceased him by some years. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. Father Al. Kay ser. M.S.C.. and was attended bv the Acting Administrator (Dr. T. M. Clous ton) and members of deceased’s Nauruan family.

Dr. R. Ford and Mr. K. Clinton are at present in the Trobriand Group, East ern Papua, carrying out investigations on behalf of the Administration into the prevalence of leprosy and venereal dis ease among the Papuans.

Mr. B. W. Faithorn has taken charge of the Papuan Government’s experimen tal station on the Kemp Welch River, Central Division, relieving Mr. C. E.

Heiner.

Seated: The late Robert Rasch. Standing: Messrs. V. Purcell (left) and K. Tingman, two members of the British Phosphate Commission on Nauru Island.