Kokopo Smiles
p. 32 · Read in the full issue
Again
Only Place in NG Which Really Enjoys Rehabilitation
THE progress of rehabilitation in the Kokopo district is probably the most rapid in New Guinea, writes a cor respondent.
Mr. V. Pennefather, of Tokua planta tion, has constructed a nice bungalow on his place. It is good to see the progress he is making, ably assisted by his wife.
He is producing copra now, even though the labour (casual) is a serious handi cip. He is an example of what an ex perienced man can do despite adverse circumstances.
Mr. Norman Duncan and his wife are re-establishing themselves on their pro perty, “Tamililli.” They also are back to copra production. At present they are living in a temporary home. They are building a Quonset bungalow; and this will be a very nice home, with modern conveniences. Norman’s dad, Skipper Duncan, is a frequent and very interested visitor.
Mr. and -Mrs. Jack Allan are well established on their place, “Gilalum.” For a while their casual labour supply was good and rehabilitation progress was correspondingly good. Their homestead Is a picture, and the plantation, a young one, looks really fine. They are now pro ducing copra and cocoa. Unfortunately, labour troubles are now hampering them.
This trouble, of course, is common throughout New Guinea.
Mr. Theo Thomas and wife, with their small daughter, Rosslyn, have re-estab lished themselves at Bita Paka, on the site of their old home. Their home, a Quonset bungalow, is set in very picturesque surroundings. Theo has been in production for over six months. Re cently, he purchased “Rainau” plantation from Mr. Oscar Rondahl. “Rainau” was the former home of the late .Mrs.
Schmidt, well-known and respected pioneer of the Kokopo district.
Kokopo is getting back to its former prosperity and popularity. The re-estab lished Kokopo Sports Club is the social centre of the district, and it is good to see the old residents enjoying their week ends at cricket, tennis and swimming.
Kokopo has a fine native hospital.
There are some 400 patients being care for by two very able gentlemen—Messrs.
Joycie and Kerr.
Mr. Willie Rowe, smiling and popular, has returned to Kokopo and is a busy man, settling in at “Ravalien.” The Rowe Brothers have several properties in the district.
The Rev. Francis Auld, lately of Shef field, has gone to Apia, where he will be next to the Rev. H. W. Whyte, MA, in charge of the LMS organisation in Western Samoa. Mr. Auld was for several years a district secretary in Britain.