Matches Rationed in New Hebrides

New Hebrides

IN a new Joint Regulation (penalty for any infringement thereof, £5O, or six months’, or both), people of the New Hebrideans are prohibited from import ing matches from Australia except through one of four firms—Burns Philp & Co.. Comptoirs Francois des Nouvelles- Hebrides, Gubbay Freres, or Maison Barrau (Santo).

This new addition to the ever-increasing list of wartime regulations is designed to “control the importation of matches from Australia in view of anticipated shortage of supplies.” In Australia, smokers and housewives have known for some time that the shortage is no longer antici pated. It is here, larger than life, and matches have joined those other things, for the purchase of which, it is necessary to approach the shopkeeper with tact, a display of personality and an ingratiating manner. „ , , , Time was when Islands folk bought the things (origin Hongkong and variously branded, in lots of a gross of packets. All done up in a lead container, they were a “boy’s load” and were “thrown away” (along with razor blades!) for such,trivial things as a paw-paw, a green coconut or a couple of taros.

Rev. James Edwards, of the Melanesian Mission, will act as chaplain teacher at the Lockhart River Mission, in Australia, until the way is open for him to return to his former work in the Solomon Islands.