Some More Recollections

Letter to the Editor THE articles about the murder of Mis sionary Chalmers and the suicide of Governor Robinson, in your January issue are most interesting; but you omit the wording on the tombstone of Judge Robinson: — “Life is mostly froth and bubble, Two things stand like stone, Kindness in another’s trouble, Courage in your own.”

It was, as we all know, a great mistake; but one of those “small” episodes in life which help make history.

The only man who could tell you the facts is Arthur Jewell,'who was a friend, with the late Guy Owen Manning, of Captain Barton. Bruce has gone, and his private papers, giving details of the Goaribari affair, with him.

When I was in Daru, I met the skipper of the “Niue.” He was 'then on the “Goodwill.” His story to me differed slightly from that of your correspondent.

When the boat arrived off the island, Chalmers asked if he might go ashore.

The reply was to the effect that, as the Goaribaris were having a big feast, it would be politic for the missionary party to stay aboard awhile, say two or three days. This, however, did not suit “Tamate,” who had always been so suc cessful in his dealing with the natives, and he told the messenger that he would ignore the warning and prepare to land.

The captain of the “Niue” tried hard to hold back “Tamate” and Tompkins (who, by the way, was practically a new arri val), but Chalmers told the captain he would be all right, as the natives would not harm him.

As the boat with the two missionaries was nearing the land, the captain observed a lot of bustle and feared the worst. On stepping on to the shore, both white men were clubbed. The chief from Ipisia put up a fight, but was over powered. The others had no chance. In fear, the “Niue” sailed back to Daru.

One of the natives, who is supposed to have taken part in the massacre, and who took the name of Dopima, worked with about 12 other Goaribari men on the Laka River Estate, inland from Vili rupu, and Guy Manning either recruited, or had them recruited for him. They were fine workers, and commanded a lot of respect from the other natives on the estate. These included Orokivas, Gusia gos, Mambares, Bona Bona boys and others who were noted for their fighting qualities. Dopima had his version of the “Tamate” affair, which did not vary very much from that of the captain of the “Niue.” Apart from his shady past, Dopima was a likeable native, and made a. good boss boy. ’ I do not know Mr. Clune, but I note that his article differs somewhat from that of M. R. Hunter. Mr. Hunter states that Kemere did not see the killing, whilst Clune says: “Star passenger . . . was Kemere . . . who had been an “eye witness of the murder.” In this, I think Hunter is right, and my reason is the story of the massacre, first, from Guy Manning, and secondly, the Rev. A. Bax ter-Riley, who followed —soon after the murder—as LMS missionary at Daru.

The remains of both “Tamate” and Tompkins, such as they could find, were interred on Daru Island.

MR. Clune also tells an interesting tid bit about the Rev. C. W. Abel, of Kwato. It is certain that Mr. Abel started the Kwato Industrial Mission, but I think he was always, as a mission ary, part and parcel of the LMS. This was, I am certain, similar in every respect to Papuan Industries. Ltd., founded by Captain Walker, and man aged by an Englishman from Maidstone, whose name was Daniel Coulter Hannan.

For the benefit of your readers, D. C.

Harman was never in Port Moresby.

There were arrangements between the two industrial organisations and the LMS, but beyond knowing that the divi dend limit to stock-holders was 5 per cent.. I am unable to give any further details. I am, etc.,

Wellington, NZ,

“Wakilobo.”

23/2/1943.