News Of Rabaul Prisoners

Of War

OF interest to New Guinea residents— particularly those whose men went missing after the Japanese invasion of the Bismarck Archipelago—was the message recently received by Mrs. C. H.

R. Maclean, formerly of Rabaul, from her son W/O Colin Maclean, of ANGAU, now stationed at Lae, TNG.

W/O Maclean said that he had received a message from his brother, Sgt. lan Maclean, who was taken prisoner in Rabaul in January, 1942. Sgt. lan Mac lean said that he was well and that he sent his love to his wife, children, mother and all members of his family'. . . “except Dad, who is here with me.” It is believed they are in Saigon, Indo-China.

This is the first news received of Mr.

Maclean, Sr., since the Japanese occupa tion, and it is heartening for relatives of other men, from whom nothing has been heard since January, 1942. Sgt. lan Maclean was a member of the NGVR.

Mr. A. E. Stephen, who has been presi dent of the Pacific Islands Society for a number of years, has notified his inten tion of retiring from that office, at the annual meeting this month. With his social gifts, his wide knowledge of Paci fic affairs and personalities, and his untiring interest in members and visitors, Mr. Stephen has been the Society’s most successful president, and, with the pos sible exception of Mr. Eric Ramsden, has done more than any other to secure the cultural objectives of the organisation.

He was the ideal host at the Society’s monthly meetings, and he will be sadly missed. It is expected that Major C. A.

Swinbourne, OBE, formerly of the Gilbert and Ellice Administration, will be the next president.