Events In Bougainville

Prom Our Own Correspondent

Sohano, Jan. 18.

WORKS Supervisor, John Cox, after completing the installation of big Armco culverts on the North Coast Road, out of Rabaul—at Kabakada—sus tained a bout of pneumonia which kept him in the European Hospital, Rabaul, for six weeks. However, a week after leaving hospital “Father John” was on

his way to Sohana to do a job of road construction at AhilL District Commissioner Farlow returned to Sohana, via workboat from Torakina, on December 29 after a brief visit to Australia.

On December 24 a lively party was staged at the Sohana Club, mainly for the children who had assembled to greet the arrival of Father Christmas (in the person of Police Inspector Ron Clammer) who travelled to the Club by launch, and

completed the final stages of his long journey in a jeep driven by genial A.D.O.

Bob Cole. Much credit to the Sohana ladies, who devoted time and energy to ensuring that the party was a success.

On the evening of December 31 a dance was held at the Club to see out the old and welcome in the New Year. Practically all Administration officials and their wives were present. District Commissioner Farlow made a short speech thanking the Administration staff for their loyal co operation during the closing year.

Shortly after dawn on January 11, both the Sohana and Kieta workboats sailed for Kieta and Buin, bringing D. C. Farlow on an inspection visit to Kieta district, and A.D.O. Cole and Mrs. Cole back to Buin. Police Inspector Ron Clammer went to inspect the R.P.C., at Wakunai and Kieta. Mr. Keith Atkin was “commodore” of the convoy.

Our Storekeeper, Ken O’Brien, spends his free week-ends shooting crocodiles at night, in and about the creeks at Casibello. He has already killed 25 of the brutes, including two of 11 and 13 feet respectively. He camps in a tent near Casibello, uses a canoe in stalking the saurians, and brings the bodies back to Sohana, where they are skinned. Quite recently, one huge brute, after being wounded, seized the canoe’s outrigger and would have overturned the craft were it not for the coolness and courage of Mr.

O’Brien’s native crew, who beat it off with paddles enabling Mr. O’Brien to finish it off with a shot in the head.

On December 28, the Administration held land sports and canoe racing, all events being contested with vigour and enthusiasm. Owing to some misunder standing, only one Singsing—that of the Aitapes—was staged late that afternoon.

Credit is given to Patrol Officer Jackson for skill and energy in organising these competitions for natives.