Rabaul Tragedy

Distinguished Career of Harold H. Page AMONG the scores of family tragedies caused by the abandonment of the Rabaul civilians to the invading Japanese, in January, 1942, there are few

more poignant than that of the of Harold Hillis Page, Government Secre tary and Deputy Administrator of New

Guinea. Some three years after his disappearance in New Guinea, his dis tinguished son while on special duty in Indonesia was posted missing; and now both are dead.

Three times in his life, Harold Page won distinction. First, he was a success ful scholar —he took his BA degree at Sydney University, and he was a school teacher for nine years. Then he went to World War I: he was three times men tioned in despatches, he was promoted three times on the field, he was awarded the Military Cross, and finally he got the DSO. He returned as Major Page, DSO, MC. He joined the New Guinea Service, and he went steadily to the top of the tree—Government Secretary, Deputy Administrator, member of the Legislative Council—and practically a certainty for the Administratorship of the Territory, the next time it became vacant. He was only 54 when he was shipped away by the Japs on the ill fated Montevideo Maru.

One of a well-known family (Sir Earle Page and Rev. Roger Page, of Tonga, were his brothers), Harold Page could add the advantages of a fine personality and a likeable disposition to his un questioned, outstanding ability. He married Miss Ann Brewster, of Lismore NSW. in 1919, and they had one son and three daughters.

Captain R. C. Page Lost in

Indonesia

Robert Charles page was the only son of Mr. H. H. Page, and he was one of the first of Australia’s young men to volunteer for service in World War 11. He was seconded from the 4th Pioneer Battalion to “Z” Special Unit—and, while still a lieutenant, he was awarded the high-ranking DSO for

bravery, resourcefulness and devotion to duty. Later, he was promoted to cap lain. Somehow—how, has not yet been disclosed he was captured in the Indo nesian area and became a prisoner in the hands of the Japs. He died in Singapore on July 7, 1945—0n1y a month before the Jap surrender.

Captain Page was married to Miss Roma Prowse, of Hill Station, Canberra.

Mr. J. A, Reynolds

IWAS grieved to read that J. A.

Reynolds and his son were among Mam h 0 hundreds lost on the Montevideo “Johnny,” as he was popularly called was, before entering the Department of ™ Territories, on the management staff of McPhie & Co., auctioneers, Too woomba. A noted sport, a citizen of exempiary character, a soldier of World War I. Johnny’s tragic ending is lamented by numerous friends. To-day, many £l ar £ S fte , r ? e - left the Darling Downs for Rabaul, he is still affectionately re membered. We send our deepest sym pathy to his widow.—M.H. * There was a happy Christmas party m Papeete, Tahiti, on Christmas Day at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Coster (He is the local manager of the Union SS Co Ltd., in Papeete). Those who enjoyed the hospitality of the Costers, and their daughter, Miss Daisy Coster included the Mayor of Papeete, Mr and Mrs. Alfred Poroi, and their three sons (Chariot, Maurice and Ernest); Mr. and Mrs. Oscar G. Nordman and their daugh ter. Anatila; and Mrs. W. J. Williams (wife of the former British Consul). The oldest English resident, Mr. W. W Bolton, was a caller when the party was at its height, and was warmly welcomed.

The late H. H. Page.