Modern Versus Old

1171 TH the rapid advance of the Jap- TT anese through the Islands early in 1942, the Assistant District Officer and his Patrol Officer on an outlying sta tion very soon found that the only bar rier between the enemy and the station was a couple of hundred miles of salt water. It was quite reasonable to expect a Jap visit at any moment; and so, for purposes of morale among the natives, the ADO decided on a pep talk to the local chiefs and councillors.

The local dignitaries were mustered in the Government office and the ADO commenced an animated discourse on the power of the British and their ability to trounce the Japs soundly when the time was ripe. By way of a practical demon stration of British might, the ADO pro duced his service rifle and fixed the bay onet. He then proceeded to give a dis play of bayonet fighting which made quite an impression on the visitors.

“On guard,” “Point,” “Withdraw,” roared the ADO, carrying out his own orders with zest, doubtless recalling his Gallipoli days.

During a very sustained charge round the office the attack centred on a corner post, and a vigorous “Point” was made of it, the weapon taking the “victim” in the “throat.” “Withdraw,” roared the ADO, and commenced a titanic struggle to carry out the order. Amidst the dead silence of his audience, the attacker sweated and cursed, turned and twisted his rifle to free it. He paused for breath and renewed the struggle. At last, with the assistance of one of the visitors, the bayonet was withdrawn. The ADO leaned against the wall, gradually regaining his lost wind.

Recovering somewhat, he was preparing to dismiss his audience when the Para mount Chief made the statement that was in the minds of all the visitors: “Taubada, why don’t the white people fight the Japanese with New Guinea spears? One man is enough to pull the spear out, instead of the two men needed with your ‘spear.’ ”