That Runaway German

Plane

IT was stated in the “Pacific Islands Monthly” in October that the aero plane which escaped from New Guinea early in September with two German mechanics aboard, and which made its way to Merauke, in Dutch New Guinea, was an aeroplane from the establishment of the German Catholic Mission in New Guinea.

This was an error, based on an in correct report from New Guinea. We have been officially advised that the aeroplane was part of the establishment of the Lutheran Mission in New Guinea, with its headquarters at Finschhafen.

It will be remembered that on a num ber of occasions before the war there were reports of Nazi sympathies and Nazi activities on the part of the Lutheran Mission in New Guinea; and about 18 of the German missionaries from the Luth eran Mission at Finschhafen and else where were brought to Australia in Octo ber and interned. There never has been a suggestion of Nazi offensiveness on the part of the German Catholic missionaries in New Guinea, however.

A net profit of £17,994 was made by Steamships Trading Co., Ltd., of Papua, in the financial year ended June 30, 1939. An interim dividend at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum was paid last April, and now the directors recommend 6 per cent. —making 8 per cent, for the year and leaving £4,356 to be carried for ward. Last year, 10 per cent, was paid on both the preferences and ordinaries.

This conservation of the liquid resources of the company is being followed, owing to the international situation. This active and successful Islands trading company is managed by a board of three—namely, Captain A. S. Fitch (chairman and man aging director), Mr. E. V. Crisp and Mr.

L. Tracey. The registered office is at Port Moresby.