New Cabaret-Restaurant In Rahaul

From Our Own Correspondent

Rabaul, Dec. 1.

A MUCH needed fillip to the black tie industry, insofar as it applies to Rabaul, was given when the restaurant and night-club, “The Island Paradise” was opened in November at the earth quake-conscious town that is still the largest in New Guinea.

“The Island Paradise” venture is the idea of courageous Mrs, Iris Schmidt, who has lived in Rabaul for many years. Many pre-war residents will remember “Artie”

Schmidt, her late husband, who was lost during the Japanese occupation. “Artie” was a valued member of the Education Department, and well-known as an athlete. Like many other Territory women who lost their husbands in the war Mrs.

Schmidt returned to the remains of what was once the beautiful town of Rabaul.

It takes a great deal of courage to start a business in New Guinea to-day. When that business is absolutely novel and new ground has to be broken, then one must be brave indeed.

With the help of Gordon Ehrett. Iris set about looking for materials that were practically non-existent at Rabaul. Her energy and initiative brought results. In the amazingly short time of six months the building of “Island Paradise” was complete—even to the last ash-tray on the last beflowered table.

The sides of the building are trans parent—built of some new material that allows the light through—and the murals are better than the writer has seen, even in the much-vaunted night-clubs of Syd ney. The primary motifs are the typical tropical coconut palms of New Guinea and the blue of the sea horizon. The scarlet of the hibiscus breaks the green and blue colours, while the splendidly aainted male bird-of-paradise (that would ielight the eye of an ice-box manu facturer) stands somewhat cheeky guard an the door of the ladies’ powder-room, rhe artist who is responsible for these really excellent paintings is Mrs. Kuster, af Rabaul.

The cabaret supplies something that has rang been needed at Rabaul. At last one nay dine, wine and dance to the strains af an orchestra in surroundings that do lot shout their “Army Disposals” origin, rhe opening was a great success and the ’epresentative gatherings of Europeans md Chinese residents that attended mgur well for the venture.

Among the representative gathering at ;he opening nights were;-Mr, and Mrs. B. 3. Perriman, Mr. and Mrs. J. Gilmour, 3en., Mr. and Mrs. J. Gilmour, Jr., Mr.

Frank Riorden, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Chan, Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Achung, Judge Esme Bignold, Mr. and Mrs. Chin H. Meen, Mr. and Mrs. J. K. McCarthy, Mrs, W. Watkins, Mrs. V. Pearson, Mr.

Toong Pen.

TOP: Opening Night, November 26 —Europeans predominating.

LOWER: Opening Night, November 28 —Chinese predominating. —Photo by Meen.