War's Effect On

Natives

Experience in Mission Field

(Condensed f7'om the “Southern Cross Log”) BEFORE the enemy occupation of the Solomons, there were many discus sions as to how the islanders would re-act to Jap occupation.

Some sceptics remarked . . . “they don’t care two hoots about any of us . . . they might betray us for a couple of sticks of tobacco or a piece of calico,” etc.

Then came the evacuation of a large proportion of the white population. The natives were left with little guidance and also they had no knowledge whatever of modern warfare, warships or even largfe ships, planes, gun-fire, or bombing. Very naturally, there were some signs of fear and panic.

Government and mission staffs had become permanencies. The Government was regarded as just and was appre ciated. Missionaries were looked upon as friends.

Those Europeans who stayed felt it their duty to be on the spot until the panic-stricken natives had become more or less used to the new order. They—the natives —showed a keen desire to know exactly what was happening and what might happen. During the period between

the evacuation of Tulagi and Gela (Florida) and their occupation by the Japs, Bishop Baddeley “ was constantly travelling—always by night—to re-assure and advise the deserted people of Gela.

During this time the Jap bombers were overhead every day.

Then came the occupation of Tulagi and Gela. The remaining white people were ordered off the beaches —provision had been made for the placing of medical stores, etc., in various bush villages and the nursing sisters from the mission hos pital were located in a native village some five miles distant. Later the enemy explored the coast of Malaita, visited the mission hospital, took some equipment, but did no serious damage. Native boys when interrogated, refused to disclose the whereabouts of their white friends.

An enemy radio station was set-up along the coast from the hospital, with a small armed guard. It was then considered advisable for the staff to retire farther into the hills.

It was now that the answer to the numerous discussions came forth. Un doubtedly the natives regarded the Japs as enemies, distrusted them, and finally hated them because of the treatment meted out to captured boys—food gar dens looted, pigs, and even laplaps stolen. And so the whites were not betrayed but were led to safe places, given sufficient food—and the best houses.

The mission work was carried on— probably to a greater extent than is yet known by the outside world. Prior to enemy occupation many of the staff were at the main hospital at Fauabu; the medical officer, Dr. J. D. Thomson, three hospital sisters, mothercraft staff, were among those who chose not to evacuate.

At the time of the invasion, trained native orderlies were posted at various points and entrusted with hospital sup plies, and were able to carry on work at these hastily improvised “dispensaries.”

The medical officer toured the districts, helped and guided his workers and gave thousands of injections.

During the hostilities, the native mode of life was, of course, completely changed.

They have seen sea-battles, air-battles, land fighting. They had to flee before the invader. With their white friends, they have lost their possessions and lived in discomfort.

As a result of an enemy occupation of this country of mixed nationalities, what will be the legacy of the island people?

There is danger of the spread of “new” diseases as a result of insanitary con ditions, consequent on enemy—and such an enemy—occupation. We have already bequeathed whooping cough, measles, chicken-pox, TB, etc., to these people.

The “simple” epidemics are not so simple to these island peoples. TB is on the increase, and the only leprosarium is that of the Melanesian Mission at or near Fauabu.

These natives have proved loyal friends and helpers, and for that—if for no other reason—deserve the best from Govern ment, missionaries, and all Europeans.