G. And E. Islanders Buy

Tender For Royal Navy

NATIVES of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony who, in August, 1943, were not under Japanese domina tion, together with G. & E. people living in Fiji, decided that they would like to purchase something which would assist the Allied war effort. They therefore began raising funds towards this end, determined that as they were seafaring folk their gift would be in some way con nected with the sea.

Choice eventually fell on a 35-foot air craft tender for the Royal Navy. Such a tender would cost £2,250 sterling, and there were about 5,000 people in the com munities concerned. But while the appeal was still under way, other parts of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony were liberated and it was not long before more money than was actually needed was available. The liberated Islanders were more than willing to express their gratitude for freedom, by giving money they raised selling curios to Allied troops.

The aircraft tender has now been pur chased and is in service with the Royal Navy. The balance of the funds collected is being held with a view to buying another boat.