Death Of Mr. W. H. Chance

A MAN well known and highly es steemed in Papua, Mr. William (Bill) Chance, died very suddenly at his trading station and store, at Giligili, in Milne Bay, Papua, on April 3. He was 62. He was a half brother of Mr. Syd ney H. Chance, who for so many years was a Resident Mag istrate of the Papua Administration.

A South Australian, young “Bill”

Chance wandered around the Far West and Far North, and eventually found his way across into Papua. In 1908 he went to America, and was for several years a technical executive for one of the oil companies. When World War I came, he enlisted in England, and was decorated and mentioned in despatches. He re turned to Papua from USA in 1921, be came a rubber-planter at Itikinumu, back of Port Moresby, and later bought the late Henry Dexter’s store at Milne Bay.

He served in World War II in Australia as a uniformed Peace Officer; and in 1946—n0t in good health—he returned to Milne Bay. His staunch character and generous spirit endeared him to many.

While Mr. Robb, of the Public Works Department, Rabaul, was holding a jar of sulphuric acid, on May 29, the handle broke and the acid spilled over both his legs and feet. With great presence of mind he removed his socks and shoes and applied an antidote himself. He was later admitted to hospital where his condition was reported to be satisfactory.