Death Of Richard Heape

THE death of Mr. Richard Heape, of Belik Plantation, Namatanai, on April 17, has been reported from New Ireland.

He was a well-known. Territorian and a resident of New Guinea since 1928, He commenced planting up Belik in the early 30 T s; his coconuts were just coming in to bearing when the war broke out in 1939. Richard Heape immediately ar ranged to leave his plantation in the care of a manager and sailed for England in December, 1939. There he was granted a commission in the RAP and was later promoted to the rank of Squadron- Leader. For carrying out a secret mis-

sion during the blitz on Southern Eng land he was mentioned in despatches.

During his Second World War service he met and married (1941) Miss Joan Winifred Barber, and on his demobi lisation they went out to Belik Planta tion with their four young children.

Richard Heape was an Englishman, third son of the late Samuel Heape, of Bedford, England and Mrs. Bertha Heape of Burleigh Heads, Queensland. His brother Benjamin is a well-known resi dent of Port Moresby; another brother is in India.

As well as his service in World War 11, Richard Heape was a veteran of World War I when he served with a British regiment and won the Military Cross and Bar.

He was about 52 at the time of his death; a man of fine personality and character who could be ill spared from the New Guinea of to-day. It appears that he became ill on his plantation which is somewhat isolated. He was then taken to Namatanai government station by work-boat where Dr. Tweedie, medical officer of Kavieng, went to his assistance. An abdominal operation was performed but Heape later died.

Sorrow In New Ireland

Prom Our Kavieng Correspondent THE unexpected death of Dick Heape, of Belik Plantation, on Easter Sun 'day, was a stunning blow to New Ireland residents. His hospitality was proverbial, and his kindness to the poor and needy will never be forgotten. He was always ready and willing to help a lame dog over the stile. Like that grand old character described by Oliver Gold smith: “He did good by stealth and blushed to find it fame.” His passing has

left a gap in our European community that can never be filled.

The funeral took place at Namatanai cemetery on April 19. Owing to there being no Protestant clergyman available, and at the request of Mrs. Heape, Father Crumple of the Catholic Mission, Na matanai, read the burial service. The attendance at the graveside included all the leading Europeans and Chinese testi fying to the esteem and regard in which our late friend was held.

A photograph of Richard Heape, taken during World War II.