Rabaul Roundabout

From Our Own Correspondent

Rabaul, July 3.

RABAUL is proud of its rehabilitated swimming pool which has now been restored to its pre-war size of 100 feet by 36 feet and is complete with new dressing sheds. The pool is filled by a high pressure pump electrically driven, and the surrounding grounds are well kept and planted.

Credit for this fine achievement goes to the Committee of the Swimming Club, especially to Secretary Ken Jameson and Mr. Phil James, Club captain.

When required, the pool is laned off for racing events. Over Easter week end a large crowd of Madang visitors used the pool and races were staged.

Over King’s Birthday week-end, a plane load of Kavieng swimmers visited Rabaul.

A successful swimming carnival was held in which Kavieng, Kokopo and Rabaul all shared honours, with special mention to the Misses Stanfield and Mr. Stanfield Junior, of Kavieng, who outclassed all in their respective divisions.

With the arrival of the material, it is intended to treat the walls of the pool specially and paint them white.

A LOCAL Court case which created much interest, was held recently, when Mr. Edward Fowler, Engineer, sued Messrs. Colyer Watsons for wrong ful dismissal. The Judge found for Mr.

Fowler, and in his summing up stated “that the agreement of employment was indeed a fine one, for Messrs. Colyer Watsons.”

THE native market is improving with regard to prices, eggs being stan dardised at 4d. each. Prices of vegetables and fruit, however, are still much higher than they were 12 months ago.

ON June 10, a social evening and dance ‘was held at the Returned Service men’s Club to present a Life- Membership Certificate of the RSL. to the Sub-Branch secretary, Mr. Phil Chapman, in appreciation of services rendered. Two hundred members and their guests attended, including Kavieng and Kokopo visitors.

DURING June, at the European Hos pital, a son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Dick Arrowsmith. A daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar-Reid.

THE Cariad, a South African yacht, on a voyage around the world called at Rabaul in June. She arrived from Panama and West Indies ports via Aus tralia, and the owners will continue their cruise as their fancy pleases.

RABAUL is expanding in the way of new businesses and personnel. On the last Bulolo two dentists arrived to set up in private practice. One is Mr.

R. Dickie from Fiji, who is well-known in the Territory. However, Mr. Dickie has been unable to secure suitable premises and is leaving Rabaul within the month. The other dentist is a New Australian, Mr. Baumgarten, who has temporary premises in Mango Avenue.

The medical staff has been increased by the appointment of Dr. Sawy, a New Australian, who is stationed at the Native Hospital.

Rabaul now has two solicitors, our well-known identity, Mr. Dudley Jones, and newcomer, Mr. R. F. Foy, who has had considerable experience in India.

Mrs. Dudley Jones arrived on the last Bulolo to take up residence in Rabaul.

The new hotel in Mango Avenue, which is being built for Mr. Arthur Brown, is rapidly nearing completion.

Rabaul now has a European ladies’ and men’s hairdresser in Mrs. Leech, whose premises are located at the back of Doctor James’ surgery.

A modern photographic studio is being erected for Mr. and Mrs. R. F. Smith in Mango Avenue. Pending completion of this building, which will be known as the Casurina Studios, business is being conducted at a private residence.

We understand that a chemist is shortly to open a shop in the same block. In addition to carrying the usual stocks, a soda fountain and milk bar will be in stalled.

ON June 7, a serious accident occurred near Tilligap approximately half way between Rabaul and Kokopo, involving a jeep and truck. The driver of the jeep, Mr. H. E. (Harry) Read, received a broken leg and abrasions. His native boss boy Milah, a passenger, had his chest crushed and died in hospital some hours later. It is believed that the accident was due to poor visibility created by the dust. Mr. Read, who is the well-known and popular secretary of the RSL Club is now convalescent at Namanula Hospital.

THE Ne»v Guinea Club is making im provements to the visitors’ room, and the new dance hall at the RSL Club is quickly taking shape. The floor is of seasoned timber, and will please ■those who have danced on concrete floors for many years. The new building will be opened with a “Diggers’ Ball.”

THE dust menace becomes progressively worse in the township due to lack of rain. The scarcity of water, even from the wells, is causing some anxiety.

DUE to the increasing number of motor accidents, the Police Department is conducting a “blitz” on all vehicles.

Registration is most strict and vehicles suspected of not complying with all requirements of the Traffic Act are pulled m for investigation. This drive is com mendable, as there are over 1,000 motor vehicles on the Gazelle Peninsula, the majority being ex-disposals vehicles which are much the worse for wear. Rabaul howeyer, has more than its share of luxurious new cars. These arrive on every ship from the East, chiefly pur chased by the local Chinese.

ELECTRICAL officials have been mak ing a house-to-house check and advising householders as to what their monthly charge will be for the supply of electrical power. All agree that some charge should be made as the P« w er supply for the last year has been all that could be desired. However, the basis of charge is on every light point and power plug, making the total some what excessive. It is also rumoured that payments will be retrospective to September 1949. Should this be the case an uproar is anticipated.

SUBSEQUENT to the visit of Brigadier Brown of the War Graves Com mission, and the information that he received, was the arrival of Colonel Houghton (Army War Graves), Squadron- Leader Rundle and Sgt. Henderson of RAAP War Graves.

An area surrounding Matupi was ex cavated, and some 30 bodies of servicemen were discovered, comprising 15 RAAF, 12 Indians and the rest American personnel.

Twelve of the RAAF bodies have been definitely identified. It is intended to remove the bodies to the Bita Paka war cemetery for reburial early in July.

MR. BECKETT, an executive of Kodaks, paid a visit to Rabaul during late June. Much enthusiasm was shown by amateur photographers who met him and a meeting of all interested was held. A camera club has been formed and the first photographic competition arranged.

TAKING advantage of the dry weather, work on the town roads has been resumed. Namanula road, which was unpassable during the last floods has been widened and made into a safe

Before departing b y the Malaita on May 20 for a trip abroad, Mr. and Mrs B B Perriman of Rabaul, were entertained at a farewell party at the Island Paradise Cabaret During their the Pernmans will visit Canada, USA, the United Kingdom and Europe. They expect to be away approximately six months. The photograph taken at the party shows, leftto right (back row Messrs. M. U. Lees. E. J. Thomsett. G. D. Kent. A. Corlass. R. Bailey U R Michel J E front row: Mrs. J. C. M. Scott, Mrs. Thomsett, Mr. and Mrs. Perriman Mr. J. Sedgers Mrs! Walsh.' —Photo by C. H. Meen.

fast highway. In other parts much at tention has been paid to culverts and drainage. Roads have been redressed with bitumen and in all, a most thorough and commendable job has been carried out. However, it is hoped that in the not too distant future, the sealing of all roads in the town area will have been completed.

RABAUL Administration employees have received notice of their re classification under the Papua-New Guinea Public Service Commission. These classifications have caused much com ment and dissatisfaction.

It is understood, that when the positions have been officially gazetted a meeting of protest is to be called by local Adminis tration employees.