News From Port Vila

From Our Own Correspondent

Vila, Feb. 20.

THIS month saw the departure for Aus tralia on leave of a number of local residents.

Heading the list was British Resident Commissioner, Mr. H. Flaxman who flew to Sydney and thence to Melbourne to witness the fifth and final test match.

He goes to New Zealand for the remainder of his three months’ leave. During his absence, Mr. B. Blackwell is acting R.C.

Others departing include Mr. L. Bair stow, merchandise manager of Burns Philp’s Vila store, Mr. and Mrs. W. Reid and Mr. W. Buffet, also from B.P.’s. Mr.

Buffet’s trip down was unplanned and for urgent medical treatment.

The month also marked the return to Vila of residents who had been away for varying periods of leave.

Formerly in the Condominium Public Works, Mr. W. Young returns as Collector of Customs. He was accompanied by his wife and two infant daughters. Mr. H.

Richards returned to take over the job of postmaster, a position vacant for some time. Mr. W. Roberts of the South Pacific Air Transport Council stationed in Vila

returned to take over from the relieving officer, Mr. R. Rankin, who has since re turned to Sydney.

Formerly a teacher at the British school, Miss B. Lancon sailed from Vila on the M.V. Lautoka, She plans to study vetinerary science in Melbourne.

The engagement was recently announced of Miss Billie Love of Vila to Mr. Richard Kerr of Tongoa. Miss Love is the daughter of Mr. L. Love, chief radio operator of Vila’s tele-radio station, and of Mrs. Love. To celebrate the occasion, Mr. and Mrs. Love entertained a large number of friends at a cocktail party at their home.

Fire recently completely destroyed the Vila residence of Acting-Commandant of British Police, Mr. D. Freegard and Mrs.

Freegard.

Cause of the fife is uncertain, but it is thought that electrical wiring in the celling may have- shorted and ignited grass and other rubbish stored there by rats.

Mr. and Mrs. Freegard were home at the time. The fire gained such a hold that they had no time to salvage any thing. With their children they watched, from a neighbour’s verandah while all their possessions were consumed.