The Venom Of Mr.

Keegan

A Gentleman Who Disliked Samarai

IN the May issue of the “P.1.M.”, we reprinted from Sydney “Telegraph” a statement by a Mr. J. Keegan, who described Samarai as a “fever-ridden hell”, and said he would not return to the place if his fare were paid. He was very contemptuous in his references to Eastern Papua.

It is revealed that this Mr. Keegan was employed on Misima by Gold Mines of Papua Ltd., in a trusted position. Cer tain native labourers, more honest than the European, reported on strange things they had seen; with the result that Mr.

Keegan appeared before the Resident Magistrate, and was convicted of “taking and concealing” the gold-bearing ore that had been in his charge.

Mr. Keegan was fined £25, or six months’ gaol. He paid the fine, and “hopped it”. In Sydney, an unfledged newspaper reporter allowed him to spit venom at his late associates and at Sa marai—which actually is one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific, and quite free of fever.