Rabaul Roundabout

From Our Own Correspondent

Rabaul, June 1, 1950

LAST month we reported the torrential rain which had virtually turned Rabaul into a quagmire. However, for the past three weeks, the “dry” has set in with a vengeance, and the township has changed to a dust bowl. The dust has the consistency of pepper—it lies inches deep and passing transport stirs it into huge clouds which float in the air and permeate everything. Those un fortunate enough to live fronting the roads have their homes, their furniture, meals, etc., covered with a thin film of dust. Mild epidemics of sore throats, heavy colds and dysentery are common. It is all due to the dust, it is commonly be lieved.

The majority of roads were sealed last year to prevent this dust hazard, and were quite effective. However, the torrential rains caused much damage to sealed roads that were used for heavy and con tinuous traffic; the lesser used sealed roads have stood up remarkably well. It is distressing for those affected by the dust nuisance, that all roads in the town area were never sealed. Doing so would, and still will, considerably reduce the dust hazard and resultant ill effects.

THE Supreme Court is at present sitting in Rabaul under Judge Kelly with Mr. O’Driscoll as crown prosecutor.

With the exception of two Chinese from Kavieng on trial the rest of the cases are natives under charge.

Judge Kelly was, before the war, a barrister and solicitor here. He was ap pointed to the Papua-New Guinea Judi ciary this year and has only recently re turned to Rabaul after an absence of about 12 years.

IT was reported last month that Mrs. B.

B. Perriman had departed for Aus tralia on leave. This announcement was somewhat premature, as Mrs. Perri man awaited the arrival of the Malaita and departed in company with her hus band, the well-known managing director of New Guinea Co. Mr. and Mrs. Perri man plan a trip to Canada, USA and England. Their departure was preceded by a round of parties both at Kokopo and Rabaul, given by their numerous friends and members of the staff.

Directors J. B. Sedgers and T. Thomsett are relieving in Mr. Perriman’s absence.

IN town over recent weeks, Mr. R. A.

Colyer and son, of Colyer Watsons.

Although nothing official has been announced, Mr. Colyer senior’s visit may well be in connection with reorganisation and expanding of business under the new Government’s policy in the Territory.

Mr. A. (Bert) Gaskin of the Cosmopo litan Hotel recently returned from a trip to Europe and the UK.

Brigadier brown of the imperial War Graves Commission recently naid a visit to Rabaul. For the bene fit of all interested, a screening of war grave films was carried out by the Briga dier at the RSL Club.

The War Graves Commission has the matter of graves for ex-Servicemen, monuments, etc., well in hand. Brigadier Brown did a thorough inspection of all areas and New Guinea residents may rest assured that his commission will carry out their job to the satisfaction of all relatives concerned.

THE local native market is still causing concern amongst Rabaul housewives.

Representations to the local District

Officer resulted in a marked improvement in some respects. Extra stalls have been provided but the main bone of conten tion still exists —that is, the exorbitant price of fruit and vegetables.

Egg prices vary with the mood of the native seller from 4d. to 6d. each, with the latter price predominating. Eggs, ex- Australia, can be purchased from the local freezers at 5/9 per dozen. As freight, duty and profit has to be allowed for in that case, one cannot understand why native eggs should be 6/- a dozen. Will we finally progress to the stage where it will be cheaper to import bananas from Queensland than buy them locally?

AT the recent general meeting of the Returned Servicemen’s Club, the Sub-Branch Committee stated that the venture was such a success that the resultant work involved was beyond the Committee’s capabilities. The meeting was therefore asked to create a separate Management Committee to run the Club.

This request was granted and resulted in the president of the Sub-Branch, Mr. B.

V. Smythe, being elected Club president.

However, with two exceptions, the other officers, including Mr. Harry Read as sec

retary and Mr. Norm Nisbett as treasurer, were newcomers to office. The Sub-Branch Committee remains unchanged. Mr.

Arthur George, the first manager who did much to bring the Club to its present standard has resigned; his successor is Mr. Stuart Brown, an ex-AIP Captain from Sydney.

REVIVING pre-war custom, the New Guinea Club staged ' its traditional Frangipani Ball on Saturday, May

27. The function was the usual success ful show for which the Club is noted.

The Frangipani Ball, held annually in pre-war Rabaul, was to mark the fact that, in spite of the eruption of May, 1937, Rabaul had survived.

This commemoration of survival should have even more significance to-day.

THERE was an unfortunate accident at the Native Hospital during May when 50-60 natives who had received

injections for yaws became suddenly very ill.

It is believed that the serum which was used had not been properly sealed and extensive investigations are taking place. It is a most unfortunate occur rence as the native population is reluc tant at any time to attend the Native Hospital, preferring instead to believe in the powers of their village witch doctors, and it is felt, in many quarters, this will be more evident in the future.

THE Grand Final of the Cricket season, played at Rabaul on Sunday, May 21, resulted in Administration being de feated by Kokopo, 98 to 83. Great disap pointment was registered by Administra tion barrackers, after the great show put up the previous week when Administration defeated Kokopo, 100 to 78.