Death of Mr. Charles

E. Parker

DEEP regret was expressed by all classes of people in New Guinea when it became known that Mr. Charles E. Parker, lately appointed manager of W. R. Carpenter and Co. Ltd., at Rabaul. died on Saturday, February 3, in Nama nula Hospital. Rabaul, after a serious ill ness arising out of malaria complica tions.

Mr. Parker had been a resident of the Territory for many years, and had filled a wide variety of positions in the service of W. R. Carpenter and Co. Ltd. He had become one of the firm’s most trusted employees, and he rose gradually to a position of authority. Until the end of 1939, he was stationed in the Morobe district, exercising general super vision over the various activities of the big firm; then, when Mr. Higgs was transferred to Sydney, Mr. Parker was appointed manager in Rabaul. He was struck down by illness, however, almost before he had time to get to grips with his new job.

Although with him business came first, apparently to the exclusion of all else, “Charlie” Parker was a man of very human qualities, and his innate kindliness was generally recognised. The hard-driven prospector, who had used blasphemy and the direst threats on learning from the übiquitous “C.E.P.” that his credit was stopped and his ac count must be paid, would be seen a few hours later on the hotel verandah, cordially drinking beer with the kindly but relentless little man. Hundreds of people have lost a cheery friend, and the big firm one of its most trusted and valued servants.

Mr. N. H. Francis, of Labasa, Fiji, is desirous of completing early files of the “P.1.M.” He requires practically all of Volumes 1,2, 3, and 4, and No. 5 of Volume 5. Anyone with those old copies of the “P.1.M.” to dispose of should com municate with Mr. Francis.