British Warship in Central Pacific

Apia, Oct. 26.

rE first British warship since the out break of World War II to reach Apia, Samoa, HMS destroyer “Terp sichore,” arrived on October 19 on a short visit to Western Samoa, and had a warm reception from all classes.

The “Terpsichore,” with a complement of 12 officers and 210 men, under the command of Commander Clouston, RN, had already paid a visit to Fiji, and was proceeding to Tonga.

After taking part in the Japanese sur render, she called at the Manus Naval Base. From Tonga she is to go to Hong Kong, to join the British Pacific Fleet th The officers and men of the “Terpsi chore” were taken sightseeing in buses and cars, and were guests of honour at several dances given by the Apia Red Cross Society and the Catholic Club, with the help of an entertainment fund col lected by Apia firms and citizens. The Samoans of Apia village also gave a Samoan Siva, and entertainment, at which the orators and chiefs expressed their pleasure to be able to entertain a British warship, and their thanks foi the protection of the Samoan Islands from the ravages of war. They presented fine mats to the Commander and crew as a token of their gratitude.

The “Terpsichore left Apia on Octo ber 22 for Tonga.

Mrs. Alec Burrows, of 107 High Street, North Sydney, and late of Manus, New Guinea, extends her deepest sympathy to the relatives of all those New Guinea civilians whose lives have been lost in the Pacific war.**

Mrs. C. H. V. Hodgess, wife of the present commandant of the Solomon Islands Labour Corps, received permission to return to her home in the Protectorate lately, and she left Sydney in November by the “Montoro,” for Bougainville. She will change to another vessel at Torokina, and thence proceed to Guadalcanal.