Death Of Rev. C. F. Rich

40 Years A Missionary In Papua

IN 40 years of faithful missionary ser vice, the Rev. Charles Fry Rich, who died in Sydney on December 22, aged 77, left his mark on the Territory of Papua. He and his devoted wife, who

pre-deceased him by five years, became very well known throughout the Western Pacific, during the decades when they

were in charge of the London Missionary Society’s station at Isuleilei, .Fife Bay, Papua. They retired in 1940, to live in Sydney.

Mr. Rich gave his particular attention to the industrial side of mission work; and, in that connection his achievements and experience were studied by many missionaries.

At the funeral service in Sydney tributes were paid to Mr. Rich’s efficient and devoted labours by Rev. F. J. Tearle, BA, a former Principal of Lawes’ College, Papua; by Rev. Norman Cocks, General Secretary for the London Missionary Society in Australia and New Zealand: and by Rev. W. G. Sands, representing North Sydney Congregational Church.

Rev. Maurice Nixon, now Principal at Lawes’ College, also took part in the ser vice.

Among those present were Mr. Leonard Murray, former Administrator of Papua (nephew of Sir Hubert Murray); Mr. H.

W. Champion, a former distinguished public servant and explorer of Papua; Mr.

Ivan Champion, now Director of District Services in Papua-New Guinea; Mrs. W.

J. Saville, formerly of Papua; and Mr.

T. A. Fraser, formerly Purser on John Williams IV. Apology was made for the

absence of Rev. Ben. T. Butcher (chair man of NSW Congregational Union and formerly of Aird Hill, Papua).

Mr. Rich is survived by five children— Mr. M. C. Rich (Acting Director of Dis trict Services in Papua-New Guinea); Mr. Clem Rich (ADO, Baniara); Mr.

Mick Rich, of Sydney (formerly of Bulolo Gold Dredging); Mrs. Ron Shaw, of Wagga, (formerly of the Territory), and Mrs. Sherman, of Sydney.