New Guinea

I think I like you Jewelled isle!

With emerald green of leafy trees And sapphire blue of sky above; Below, the pearly tinted seas, And sunset, ruby through the grove.

I think I hate you Cruel isle!

Your steamy jungle, fever-ridden; Your wing-ed death and saurians vile, Your muddied pools where lurking, hidden, There waits the leering crocodile.

I think I like you Tropic isle!

While rippling streams leap o’er the rocks, Cascading on their cool pursuits; Attendant birds in vivid flocks, And all your gifts of luscious fruits.

I think I hate you Mystic isle!

With all your dark and sullen lore; Your tribal hatreds, gory feasts, Your cries of vengeance evermore.

And rankling fears in pagan breasts.

I think I like you Friendly isle!

Where natives touched by kindly hands Give lavish greeting, sunny smiles, And laughter trickles through the palms And languid peace the day beguiles.

I think I hate you Fearsome isle!

For war has crashed across your lands, And memories hideous haunt the brain While graves are strewn along the sands To mark the rest of gallant slain.

N You, leave me wondering . . .

Piquant isle!

Your moods, coquettish as a maid, Your intermingled joy and tears, Your peace and sadness overlaid Will keep me wondering through the years.

L. J. Gomm.

New Guinea, 1944.

Mrs. W. E. Harness, 74, died in Suva in August. Her husband predeceased her by only three years. They were old residents of Fiji. Their son, the popular Captain “Teddie” Harness, one-time master of the “Nimanoa,” and now temporarily in charge of Suva port, has had much family trouble lately. A few days before his mother died, his young wife had to leave by air for Auckland to undergo an urgently-required operation.