Rehabilitation of Rabaul

From Our Own Correspondent Rabaul, Dec. 29.

THERE were some spots in and around Rabaul where the welkin was ring ing for the Christmastide festivities almost up to the old pre-blitz standard.

An improvement on the 1945 festivities— and we all look forward to even a better time for Christmas, 1947. The addition of several of our prq-war womenfolk did much to brighten up the landscape, and fill us with optimism for the future.

In fact, there are even rumours of wed ding bells a-ringing one of these fine days.

Mr. Charlie Bates is holding the Rabaul District Office front, and we are fortun ate in having this old-timer at the helm to guide our ship through these new, un charted waters. His past experience with natives generally makes his task easier both for himself and the civilians en deavouring to stage a comeback. Provi sional government is gradually supersed ing other administrations, and is housing itself in many of the old Army huts.

This rehabilitation racket is giving everyone a headache. Some are faring reasonably well, while others are having a grim battle. Out Kokopo way, on the old Vundpope site, the Catholic mission aries have their sleeves rolled and are making good progress in rebuilding, and have been fortunate in obtaining equip ment and materials for this work; much of it being secured from the Yanks in Mianus.

The old familiar firms of B.P. and W.R.C. have erected temporary premises on their old sites, and are catering for the needs of the public in their old in imitable manner. Colyer, Watson have also their finger on the pulse of events, and will be there when the whips are cracking. Genial general manager Colyer recently made a survey of conditions around here, with the result that his interest has been stimulated.

Biggest strides in getting back to normalcy-plus seem to be amongst the Chinese merchants. Temporary trading stores are being erected in the new Chinatown; and tailors, eating-houses and native trade stores are doing a rush ing business. Gabriel Achun has pur chased the old Army cordial factory and is flat out to meet local demands for soft drinks. There is plenty of money about—especially in Chinatown—and the Blackfellow Bung (some people call it the Black Market) is doing a good trade in certain lines. In fact, there are few things that cannot be bought—if you have the cash. Nearly every Chinese

merchant owns his own jeep or truck, and motor vehicles can be seen (and heard) tearing about in typical pre-war fashion.

The number of Army personnel in Rabaul area is diminishing rapidly.

Although Bth MD headquarters staff re mains, only details are still here, such as War Crimes section, 2/7th AGH and Transport personnel. There are only those Japs who are waiting for their trials still in Rabaul area. These trials are taking place every day, but arouse little interest. We’ve “had” the war.

Vic Pearson, of the WRC firm, has gone south on a visit. He will be missed in our sporting fixtures. Rumour has it that he will be returning, but for in terests other than his old connections.

Gilbert Renton, that ball of concen trated energy, has created another House Soda-Water on the old site, and is doing more than his share in helping to rebuild the town.

George Eidelbach is back again in the Keravat area, and is busy bringing his plantation back into production.

Mr. John Murchie Wilson, formerly Controller of Fiji Customs, returned to the Colony on a visit recently. He lived in retirement in London during the war years, and was a member of the Home Guard. His future movements are un certain.

Sir Maynard and Lady Hedstrom, of Suva, Fiji, left th Colony in December for New Zealand, where they will spend several months’ vacation.