Personal Notes

Mr. Donald Bannatvne, who was well known in Fiji as a member of the Fiji Civil Service until his retirement some years ago, died in the War Memorial Hospital, Suva, recently. He joined the Service as a clerk in the Customs Depart ment in 1914, saw active service abroad as a member of the 1917 Fiji Reinforce ments, and took up duties again in 1919.

He was chief clerk in the Treasury when he retired in 1932.

Mr. Trafford Smith, of the British Colonial Office, arrived in Sydney in December from the Solomon Islands.

Together with Mrs. Smith, he has visited most of the central and western Pacific territories during the past two years.

Mr. George Step, managing director of the well-known firm of Islands agents, C. Sullivan Pty. Ltd., returned to Sydney from New Caledonia by ’plane at the end of December.

Miss Dulcie Naughton, matron of the Samarai Hospital, has resigned and gone on leave, and the matron’s position has been taken over by Miss Dunstan, who recently arrived from the South. Miss Sheridan also arrived from thq South to take the place of Sister V. Irwin, who has been appointed to take charge of the European Hospital in Port Moresby.

The untimely death occurred recently in Brisbane, of Mrs. Fred. Berge, who was the daughter of a Papuan pioneer and who was well and affectionately known throughout the Territory. Mrs.

Berge was only 34 years old. Her death recalls a tragedy of 1930, when she lost her husband and four children in the Vaiviri disaster at Kerema. She was brought to the beach, after a terrific struggle and an arduous swim of several hours by two native boys, who later were awarded a special decoration.