Polynesian Club Of Sydney
p. 38 · Read in the full issue
AFTER a temporary set-back due to the loss of their old home by fire, members of the Polynesian Club, Sydney, have settled down into quarters at the House of Culture, Kings Cross.
For a period, visitors from the Islands and New Zealand found the going diffi cult “The Cross” being a fair way from George Street, but the place has been located and the Club gatherings resemble those of old times.
During the past few months “welcome evenings” have been tendered Miss Nicky Thompson of Foxton, NZ, and the Club chief lady, Mrs. Katarina Nehua Darley, both of whom returned from long visits to New Zealand. Farewells were given Madame Dora Menghetti, her husband Francois, her sister Ivy Buffett, and Vina Quintal, all of whom left by the “Morinda” for Norfolk Island. Dora and Ivy are daughters of the well known Mr. Peter Buffett, of Norfolk Island.
Other visitors were Evan Cameron of Nukualofa, Tonga; Miss Nathalie Wahlen, formerly of Rabaul; Miss Maira Kouka, a Maori girl from the Ngati Porou tribe; Jim Henare, of Taupo, NZ; Rua Gilman and Hori Rikihana, of Gisborne: Maria Skipwith, a Maori lass from Wellington, now residing in Sydney.
Former residents of Samoa, Mrs. Elsa Watson and her sister Page, were present at a welcome to Mr, and Mrs. A. Vercoe from Apia. Mrs. Vercoe was formerly Seine Mataafa, a relative of the Samoan High Chief. Other visitors from Samoa were David Hunter and Derek Bernard, from Apia; while Tahiti was represented by Paul Robson and, later, Gilles Paquier, who are from Papeete.
Mr, Henry G. Eekhoff, veteran of War I, and one of the best-known identities in the Lae district, where in pre-war days he had a general store and trading busi ness, is hard at work endeavouring to start in business again. He writes; “I have been flat out working on essentials; trying to erect a house out of two war buildings I was able to purchase I cannot obtain any stocks from Australia although I have had goods ordered for months. Everyone is complaining of shortages and there seems no chance of obtaining anything.”
“Marambu” left Sydney on March 27 for New Britain. Mr. Gus Kuster was master-engineer; Mr. McEvoy and Mr.
Harry Thornton and son were also mem bers of the crew. This boat was built for Mr. J. J. Gilmore, of Put Put plant ation on the south coast of New Britain.