Decorated Bsi Man Returns

To Civil Life

WEARING upon his naval uniform the ribbons of World Wars I and 11, capped with the coveted Order of Merit of the United States, Mr. M. Har per, known to a generation of Solomon Islanders as a planter, trader and recruiter at Mandoliana, arrived in Syd ney this month. He came into the war as a Royal Australian Naval Reserve man when Japan attacked: and he since has served nearly three years with the United States Navy. His duties have been mostly connected with pilotage and the removal of • mines from coastal waters about to be invaded; and he was in prac tically every amphibious operation from Guadalcanal right through to Manila Bay, a few weeks ago. He was severely wounded once, and has had several nar row escapes—but he declares he would not have missed all these experiences for any money.

Mr. Harper is emphatic in his admira tion of the courage and martial spirit of the Americans, and the genius for mak ing war which they have developed. “The Jap is an exceedingly tough proposition.’’ said Mr. Harper, “and if the Americans had not shown this ability to make war in a big way, and successfully, things could have gone very badly in the Pacific.”

Mr. Harper is now due for discharge from the Navy.

There has been an outbreak of ring worm among horses on Vitu Levu in

recent months. For the time being no animals are permitted to leave the island without the consent of the Senior Vet erinary Officer. *