Kavieng Notes

From Our Own Correspondent

Kavieng, May 15.

IN honour of the visit of the United Nations Trusteeship Mission, the Chinese Overseas Association gave an informal Chinese Dinner at the Kuo Min Tang Hall, on May 21. Mr. Ho Ye© presided. Guest of Honour was Mr.

Chang, who represents China on the Mission. Among those present were the Administrator’s deputy, Mr. I. F. Cham pion, Mr. G. L. Townsend (Mission Secretariat Staff), the District Officer (Mr. I. P. G. Downs) and Mrs. Downs, and many local officials.

In responding, Mr. Chang said he had been waiting seven weeks for a Chinese meal; and Mr. Champion, amid laughter, remarked that he had been waiting 50 years!

The repast included a wide assortment of Oriental delicacies, and everyone ate with chopsticks, and thoroughly enjoyed the novelty. * The Mangola, first overseas vessel to enter the now-proclaimed Port of Kavieng since 1941, arrived on May 3. Native wharf labourers worked cheerfully and willingly—better than at any other port in the Territory—and the vessel had a quick turn-around. 1,321 tons of copra were loaded. * Mr. Tom Render, who has been Kavieng manager for New Guinea Co., Ltd,, has been transfered to Madang, and has been succeeded by Mr. Alan Fames. * “Beeps” have opened up at Kavieng under the management of our old New Guinea friend, Mr. T. Kenward. * Happy Chimbu Highlands natives sing with exultation as they go to and from work. A colourful humorous scene occurred the other day when a crowded truck-load of them passed, with every lad’s head thickly studded with flaming hibiscus. * First timber uprights for the Kavieng Club were placed in position on May 28.

Mr. Peter V. Saunders is the new Hon.

Secretary. * Mr. Spender, when here, publicly com mended the local natives’ club house. He said it was good to see the Australian flag flying proudly above it. The club house has table tennis and a radio. The sports ground adjoining is kept in good condition, and the Recreation Centre has its own bank account and a chairman, secretary and treasurer (all natives), • * Plans for the Hotel Kavieng have been approved, and only lack of material is holding up construction. Judging by the attractive crockery and furniture, which Mr. Tsang Sang is importing, he intends to make his hostelry a superior type of establishment. There is no hotel or guest house here now. * The Rev. Father Scheran, in the care of Sister Clematia, M.S.C., was flown to Rabaul on June 1, and admitted to the European Hospital. Father Scheran is over 70, and for a long time his health has been low. He has been residing at Anelaua Leprosy Hospital, where Sister Clemantia for many years has done noble work among the native lepers.

Mr. Fred Allen, former Samarai trader and planter, has opened a cash store at the Pour-Mile, Port Moresby.

Captain and Mrs. Thomas Milner took the Gilbert Islands ship Nei Nimanoa to Australia in June, and Mrs.

Milner (who formerly was Dr. Helen Phillips) is visiting her mother in Toowoomba. At home, in Tarawa, she is on the staff of the Government Hospital.