Strange Epidemic In Papua Costs
p. 68 · Read in the full issue
Many Wrist Watches
Strange Epidemic In Papua Costs Trader £30
Port Moresby, March 1.
LOUIS TARDY, gold-miner and trader, of Gamadoda, Milne Bay, appeared before Mr. J. MacDonald, District Officer at Samarai, in February, and pleaded guilty to having been in posses sion of smuggled goods. He was fined £3O.
Suspicion was aroused when it was noticed that a number of village natives in the Milne Bay area were wearing exclusive and expensive wrist-watches, and were lighting their fires and cigarettes with the latest designs in cigarette lighters. The village girls were also waiting an occasion to don Chinese silk blouses.
As the SS “Nellore” had recently been berthed at Milne Bay, investigations were made by members of the Native Con stabulary and it was ascertained that the natives had purchased the articles from a European trader in the area for the following prices: wrist-watches £5 (Australian price would be about £l5; cigarette lighters and cases £1; Chinese Blouses 30/-; as well as bracelets and other articles of Chinese origin.
Further investigations were carried out by Mr. J. Goad (Collector of Customs, Samarai and an officer of the RPC) and a search of the premises of the trader at Milne Bay revealed a quantity of goods, which had been purchased from the Chinese crew of the SS “Nellore” whilst in port. All goods located were confiscated.
The natives of the Milne Bay area are still considered wealthy, having hoarded their war-I’me earnings, and they pro vide a ready market for such dealings.