In Queensland

Two Papuan Pioneers Die

From Our Own Correspondent

Pt. Moresby, Sept. 17.

TWO former residents of Papua, both with long years of residence in the Territory to their credit, died re cently in Queensland, within a few weeks of each other—Mrs. Constance Wright (70) and Mr. A. H. Symonds (77).

Mrs. Wright (known to everyone as “Connie”) came to Papua with her hus band in the early goldmining days at Woodlark Island. Later they settled in various parts of the mainland and, after Mr. Wright died, she lived for many years outside Pt. Moresby, on the Laloki River. From Papua, Mrs. Wright went to New Guinea, staying there until she left to join her eldest son at Charters Towers (Nth. Queensland) three years ago.

Alexander Symonds entered the Papuan Administration in 1896, serving as Resi dent Magistrate at Kulumadau, Daru, Samarai and several other stations. In those days, prospectors and explorers were opening up the country for commercial enterprise and the work of pacification was the main objective. He retired in 1922. One of his daughters is married to Mr. E. E. Washington, chief clerk in the Papuan Lands Department.

Archdeacon H. Mayo Harris, formerly of Suva, Fiji, who arrived in Melbourne recently to join the Royal Australian Navy is at present engaged in recruiting work. He was eager to go to sea on active service, having been a naval officer in the Great War, but his eyesight failed to measure up to Navy Medical Board standard and he was marked down for shore duties.