Death Of Mr. Henry Kuper

From Our Own Correspondent

Honiara, Feb. 10.

MR. HENRY KUPER, planter, of Santa Anna, San Cristoval, died sud denly at Santa Anna, on February 8.

Mr. Kuper was born in Hamburg more than 70 years ago. He spent his youth serving in sailing ships and came to the Solomons about 50 years ago, and settled at Santa Anna. Deeply interested in and aware of native customs and the pagan religion of Santa Anna, for which he had a great understanding and respect, he had the distinction of holding a posi tion of authority over followers of the old religion and at the same time was much liked and respected by the Missions. Well-educated, tolerant and widely read, Mr. Kuper had a keen sense of humour and a great gift for telling entertaining stories of early days in the Solomons. His death leaves another gap in the dwindling ranks of Solomons pioneers, and a sense of irreplaceable loss among his friends.

Almost blind from cataract for several years, Mr. Kuper nevertheless carried on as usual with his plantation work. A successful operation six months ago re stored his sight and he had intended to write some of the stories of his early years for permanent record. It is believed that he did not have time to do this be fore his death, Mr. Kuper leaves a wife and daughter and three sons, Messrs. Geoffrey, Albert and Charlie Kuper, all living in the Solomons.