Death Of W. R. B. Thomas

THE death occurred on September 10 at Rabaul, of William Ross Barnard Thomas, well-known in New Guinea.

He died after a serious illness and opera tion, aged 62.

In his passing, New Guinea loses one of its most conscientious and public spirited citizens, who at all times gave unsparingly of his time and energies in the interests of the planting community of the Territory. As an officer of AWA (and later Overseas Telecommunications) he was held in high esteem by his col leagues and by the public generally.

Mr. Thomas was appointed Radio Tele graphist at Rabaul in July, 1922; and his considerate manner and pleasing person ality soon won him a place in the com munity which he maintained throughout the years. Always ready to give his sup port to any movement for the develop ment of the Territory generally, he took an active part in several prominent sporting and commercial organisations, particularly in the Rabaul and Kokopo districts; and, later, when the Expro priation Board properties were sold, he became personally interested in several plantations, including estates in Manus, Buka and Bougainville.

Shortly before the Japanese invasion in 1942 he was transferred to the Kavieng Radio Station as Telegraphist-in-Charge.

When the Japanese invaded Kavieng, he escaped into the interior of the island and, with other Europeans, he played a prominent part in organising a success ful escape from New Ireland by small schooner to Port Moresby, where the party arrived in May, 1942.

After recuperating from the privations experienced during his escape, Mr.

Thomas was stationed at La Perouse and, later, at the Central Office. He was transferred, after the war, to Lae, in 1946, and in December, 1947, he was ap pointed Officer-in-Gharge of Rabaul Radio. He retired from the service in June this year, and had planned to devote his energies to developing his planting and trading interests in New Britain.

The passing of “Bill” Thomas (as he was popularly known to New Guineaites) leaves a place in the community which will be very difficult to fill. His able work as Secretary of the New Guinea Planters’ Association during the difficult period of post-war rehabilitation will always be remembered. All Territorians extend their sympathy to his widow and family (a son, Theodore, and daughter, Marjorie—Mrs. Colin Marr).