Alive Again!

Members Of NGVR Hold A Happy And Successful Reunion At Bulolo

(Contributed) T'HE first post-war reunion of the New Guinea Volunteer Rifles was held at Bulolo on January 24 —six years and three days after the first shattering Japanese onslaught on Lae. Salamaua, and Bulolo in January, 1942, and six years and a day after Rabaul fell.

On the morning of January 23, before a gathering of old New Guinea-ites, wreaths were laid bv members of the NGVR at the Bulolo flag-pole in honour of our dead. The ceremony was simple, but held a wealth of meaning for those who had lived through those dark days.

Although the majority of members present at the reunion were from the Bulolo area, Lae, Wau, and other parts of the Territory were well represented, and altogether nearly 70 of the old Bulolo. Wau, Lae, Salamaua, Madang, and Rabaul detachment, including the former C.O. (Colonel Edwards) and Second in Command (Major Jenyns), gathered together to pay their respects to fallen comrades, and to re-live, for a moment, but in happier circumstances, some of the experiences of the 1942/1943 period.

The marching and campfire songs which the N.G.V.R.» knew so well were soon being again bellowed forth by lusty, unmusical voices. Beer supplies— fortunately the “River Mitta” had arrived in the nick of time! —were ample; and, with the aid of an excellent supper and musical accompaniment, the “Swoopers” proceeded to enjoy them selves in traditional New Guinea fashion.

Probably the star turn of the evening was the play “A Tragedy in One Act”, written by Ted Hawnt, and originally

played to the N.G.V.R. detachment at Mubo on the evening of March 8, 1942 the night the Japanese landed at Sala maua. One of the original cast (Bob Day* was present, and took his old part.

Battles were re-fought, and won again —but somehow that sort of thing seemed very far away now, and most men pre ferred to dwell on more cheerful subjects.

Reminiscences, as might be expected, were the order of the night—when speech could be heard above the din —but nobody was greatly worried, and eventually the proceedings wound up in the wee, sma’ hours.

The show was more successful even than anticipated—though conditions in the Territory at the moment make the organisation of such an event not an easy task, and it was impossible, owing to transport difficulties, etc., for some of the famous old Unit to be present.

The net proceeds of the evening (£33/0/7) have been donated to the New Guinea Memorial Scholarship Fund — thus bringing to a fitting conclusion the first of what, it is hoped, will be ever better, bigger, and brighter reunions.

The French Government will replace the two Nickel Company colliers, the “Notou” and the “Cagou,” lost through enemy action in the Pacific during the war, by the 4,500 ton ship Quebec, now being built in Canada. She is expected in Noumea towards September, and will be a regular link between Newcastle, Syd ney and Noumea.