How Sgt. Bagita Caught

Hitler

From Our Own Correspondent

Wport Moresby, Dec. 18.

AR nerves are not peculiar to Euro peans. A member of the Native Constabulary, Sergeant Bagita, recently became quite mental.

He had been listening to many versions of the war, and to descriptions of Hitler.

One day, he entered the Post Office and asked for his Savings Bank deposit. See ing only 11/6 to nis credit, he asked where was the £12,000 that the King oi England had given him for capturing Hitler. They thought he was joking, but it was soon realised that he meant what he said, and that his mind was de ranged. The sergeant was quite clear in what he said. He explained that one evening he was “walking about” and, go ing near Paga Hill, he saw a hand creep ing out from behind a stone. Then a body appeared, followed by a head.

He looked at the features and said.

“My word, this face belong Hitler. No good Hitler walkabout long Port Moresby”; and he put handcuffs on him, and, jumping into an aeroplane, flew to England, where he demanded to see the King, and handed over Hitler.

Bagita said the King was so pleased with him that he gave him £12,000.

Bagita, however, would not accept the gift, saying: “No Sir, Mis King, Sir. I New Guinea P’liceman belong Port Moresby. No good I get plenty money.

This bad fashion.

“King he laugh little bit,” continued “and he say, ‘Das all humbug talk, Bagita. I give you £12,000. I put him along Bank Port Moresby. You go back Port Moresby and you get him.’ ”

Bagita, on medical examination, was found to be suffering from fever and

nerves, and was put into hospital. Later, on improving, he was sent away for a rest.

Natives in Papua often fail to distin gmsh between dreams and reality.

Bagita s nerves had given away. He is locally famous for his detective work, in Court proceedings, where he has been employed for the past three years.