Tigers

John Cox and the Wild Tigers

REPORTERS who prowled hopefully over the “Tanda”, in Sydney, on June 22, looking for a story, sighted a broad-brimmed felt hat, with red and blue decorations, above the heads of the crowd on deck. They trailed the un usual headgear, and thus located 6ft.

3in of sun-tanned Irishman, in the person of Mr. John Cox.

Their enterprise was rewarded. For a couple of days afterwards, John Cox, as world-wan derer, Malayan trader, Sumatra tiger - shooter and New Guinea road master, was “front page news” in the Sydney newspapers.

Mr. Cox did not at first realise what was happening to him. By the time he had discovered himself plastered across various jour nals, complete with hat, it was too late to do anything about it. But he hid himself away in the “Tanda” until she sailed for Mel bourne; and, when he returned on her to Sydney, en route

to China, he remained hidden.

It was bad luck for Mr. Cox, who loves human companionship, makes friends wherever he goes, and will talk to anyone about his queer adventures in many lands. But, now, he classifies re porters with wild tigers.

Before he left Namatanai, New Guinea, on long furlough, Mr, Cox was the guest of honour at a dinner given by the planters, who warmly praised the good work of Mr. Cox in building roads and bridges in their district.

Mr. John Cox, complete with hat.