How Sydney Escaped

Papeete's Fate

HOW Sydney might have suffered bom bardment by German cruisers during the last war, as actually happened in Tahiti, was recounted by Rear-Admiral H. J. Peakes in an address to the Pacific Islands Society in Sydney on October 29.

The fact that in HMAS “Australia”, the Royal Australian Navy had a warship with more powerful guns, saved the city.

If the Germans had not been aware of the cruiser’s strength, declared the Ad miral, when emphasising the importance of the part played by the RAN in the last war, they would have treated Sydney in a similar manner to the way they shelled Papeete.

The lecture was illustrated by a selec tion of slides that showed the ancient Tahitian pahu—the Polynesian “warship” of Cook’s day—and a number of naval vessels familiar in many parts of the Pacific.

Other guests of honour included Prince Jicne Gu, of Tonga, Admiral and Mrs.

Grace, Lady Hunter, of New Zealand, Lieutenants Hassan and Buswani, of the Royal Indian Navy, Captain Samuel Mortimer (formerly well-known BP skip per in the Pacific), Major Edward Collins (once of Lautoka, Fiji), Mrs. Isabel Maskelyne (who had just arrived from Tahiti), and Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Savage, long resident in Rabaul, who now are settled in Sydney.

A special welcome was accorded Prince Jione and the Indian officers by Noho Toki, the Society’s “talking chief”, who wore ceremonial attire. The Tongan prince was greeted with the traditional hongi, or nose pressing. Later, Noho and his daughter. Marama, sang a group of Maori songs, and the latter poi-ed for . the visitors.

Pte. W. A. Hallows, who is well known in the Morobe District, New Guinea, is now serving with a machine gun bat talion in the Middle East. Prior to his enlistment he was a member of the New Guinea Volunteer Rifles and was an instructor with the Edie Creek platoon.