Fall Of Rabaul

Letter to the Editor AT the ceremonies held at Rabaul today on the fifth anniversary of the fall of the town to the Japanese, it was good to see many of the civilians who re turned to the Territory by the vessels Reynella and Duntroon.

But to-day we honour the memory of those brave souls who were sacrificed or sacrificed themselves in the vain belief that Australia would come to the rescue of their helpless countrymen in their hour of need. The mystery that surrounds the colossal stupidity that in January, 1942, denied the population of Rabaul the op portunity to avail themselves of the ample opportunities to effect their escape are the matters that must and will concern the people of this Territory. It is the bounden duty of every self-respecting comrade of those heroes to fight for a full and unrelenting inquiry that will ex pose those responsible for the sacrifice and grevous loss now being suffered by the wives and families of those who made the sacrifice.

Territorians to-day recall the memory of Dad Forsyth, Bill Gross, Nobbie Clark, Harry Adams and a number of others who so diligently tried to further the wel fare and prosperity of the Territory.

They fought for free and equal justice; a free and elected council.

They were not of the same persuasion as the “Yes-men” and theorists who now rule this land.

It is the privilege and right of the children of those pioneers to revere, hon our and imbibe the courageous spirit of those men who tried so valiantly to stem the tide of Australia’s disinterestedness and ignorance.

I am, etc.

Rabaul,

One Who Escaped

January 23, 1947.