Vale! ‘Bill’ Thomas Of

Kokopo

(By a Correspondent)

WHEN I last attended one of those pleasant cricket matches that are held on the Kokopo ground, I missed the genial presence of the late W. R. B.

Thomas, so long a familiar figure among the cheery crowd on such occasions.

Known to all friends as “Bill” or “Tommy,” he was “Uncle Tommy” to the younger generation round Kokopo. It is sad to think that he has gone from the place where he had lived so, long, and from among the people he liked so well.

I first met Bill Thomas in 1923, at a dance held at the old Kokopo Hotel, and which he had attended with his wife. He was then stationed at the old Bitapaka Wireless Station. We talked for a time, and he told me that before coming to New Guinea he had been associated with post offices and telegraphy in the northern parts of Western Australia.

Bill had many of the ways, and much of the outlook, that a man acquires—and seldom loses—after a term of years in those localities. He had the easy and tol erant manner, the philosophical attitude, the quiet sense of humour, and he refused to be rattled or to give in easily.

He had some unmistakable “north western” mannerisms—the trick of speech and expression, the slow smile, and the way he tipped his hat against the sun’s glare, even on a cloudy day! When leav ing the wireless office, after doing a shift, he would usually pause momentarily, and gaze around with a far-seeing look, as

though he might be watching a mob of 1,000 travelling cattle in the Kimberley Range country, or the pearling fleet at Broome coming in after the season.

Having been often associated with Bill Thomas, over the years, in various ways— in business, socially, and for the common weal —I, like many more, regret his pass ing and miss his friendship. Many people went to him for advice and help, and they will miss his “large, sound counsel and keen amending eyes.” His friends had been pleased at the succcess of his post-war ventures, and hoped that he would be able to enjoy the. fruits of his labours for many years to come; but it was not to be.

There is a Marquesan proverb which says: “The coral waxes, the palm grows, and man departs.” Bill Thomas has de parted—so good-bye and thank you! You will be remembered!

Mr. O. J. Lodge, who has been appointed a Health Inspector on transfer from Tan ganyika, has arrived in Fiji. He was for merly on the staff of the Suva Town Board.