Death of John Spychiger,

Notable Stamp Collector

Port Moresby, May 20.

THE death occurred at the European Hospital on May 16 of Mr. John Spychiger, a much respected Moresby “old hand.” The funeral was attended bv a large representative gather ing, including the Acting Administrator (Mr. Justice Phillips). The service was conducted by Rev. E. Ure, of London Missionary Society, an organisation which Mr. Spychiger had served nobly during his lifetime. Counting a love of fine music among his interests, Mr. Spy chiger was, un to the date of his death, choirmaster to the Mission choir at Poreporena.

Mr. Spychiger was born in Switzerland and went to Australia over 40 years ago.

For many years he worked in Port Moresby on the British New Guinea De velopment staff; and then for Burns Philp. As Secretary-Treasurer of Port Moresby Library Institute he rendered sterling service to the community. His great hobby was philately, and he was known throughout the world as an authority. He received probably the largest personal mail of any person in Moresby, and at the time of his death is believed to have assembled an out standing collection of stamps.