Calling Rarotonga!

From Our Own Correspondent

0 Mangaia. C. 1., May.

NE of our local natives is at present awaiting indictment on a charge of trespassing upon Government pre mises.

This bright youth, stimulated by local nectar, had the bright idea of breaking into the radio station, at the time de serted, and trying a few little experi ments with the apparatus. . . a few minutes, in spite of his inebriation, the lad got the hang of the set-up, and soon was sending out a gen eral call, in somewhat shaky Boys’

Brigade morse code, requesting information concerning the whereabouts of the steamer due in three days’ time.

More, he got a reply! But, receiving at professional speed not being a Brigade accomplishment, the amateur “Makoni” made no coment on Rarotonga’s remarks save to transmit a few crisp monosyllables, of Nordic origin, that do not usually find their way out on the ether.

These received, Rarotonga came to the conclusion that something must be wrong over at Mangaia.

As if by telepathy, the Acting RA was at the same time inspired to find out why the wireless station door was open when it should have been shut. The amateur operator was by then stuck for four-letter words, and while cogitating, was caught in “flagrante delicto.”

This “crime” not being provided for in the Cook Islands Act, a legal precedent will have to be created for future offences, and it will be interesting to see what penalty is bestowed on the fuddled Bngader who tried his morse, with quite reasonable success, on professionals.

Volunteers Needed To Sail

Mission Ship To Bsi

Father claude palmer, Marist Mission, Glenlyon Drive, Ashgrove, Brisbane, recently appealed for a navigator and two able-bodied men to sail a 40 ft. boat to the Solomons.

Father Palmer, formerly of the Marist Mission, in the Solomon Islands, was among those who escaped and hid from the Japanese and eventually reached the Americans when Guadalcanal was re captured in 1942. Other missionaries, two priests and two sisters, were bayoneted to death by the Japanese.

Father Palmer returned to Brisbane some weeks ago after nine years in the Solomons.

The new boat is urgently needed for the rehabilitation of the natives and the missions. When it reaches Guadalcanal, native boys will man it, and the white crew will be sailed to the nearest air port—probably Rabaul.

Given reasonable weather. Father Palmer anticipates that the trip will take three or four weeks; but it is imperative that they get away before the north-west season begins.

Copies of "The Coast-Watchers"

WE are informed that copies of Eric Feldt’s “The Coast Watchers” are obtainable from The Epworth Book Depot, Pirie Street, Adelaide, SA.

This excellent book on the activities of the coast-watching organisation in the South-West Pacific area is sold out in the Eastern States. Retail price of the book is 17/6; but, if ordering from Ade laide, sufficient to cover cost of post age should be added.

Mr. Jack Sedgers, a director of WRC (New Guinea) Ltd., sailed*by SS “Mon toro” on June 11. He was accompanied by his wife and three children. They will make their home at Madang.