Notes From Rabaul

From Our Own Correspondent

Rabaul, July 1.

Mrs. Mildred Costello, of Ravuvu, Rabaul, r as pleasantly surprised to hear that her ;ank Pass Book, lost 10 years ago in the urry of evacuation, had been found in tie possession of a native. Mrs. Costello an only guess that she left it behind at rire Gire plantation, and this ties in rith the news that at the same time, nd among the same group of natives, ad been found a British Passport be mging to the late Mr. Hunter, who took ver Gire Gire plantation when Mrs. tostello left.

There is no explanation of how the ative came to have the Pass Book; but he passport seems to have been given o a native woman who worked for Mr. [unter, so that she might later be dentified as having helped him.

Mrs. Costello suffered little incon enience from the loss of her book.

Commonwealth Savings Bank officials irere very sympathetic, and paid on her rord.

Pumice May Have Value

Soap manufacturers of Brisbane have inquired about the possibility of import ng light grey pumice from Rabaul, in dace of supplies imported from New Zealand and Italy. The company re tires the pumice to be dried, finely irushed and packed in double bags. It s understood that the enquiry is being landled by the Chamber of Commerce.

Caught In The Act

A native, Borava of Bougainville, was sentenced to 18 months’ hard labour for breaking and entering the dwelling house of Chong Yung. The Police received a report, proceeded to the dwelling and found the defendant inside. As they entered, Borava smashed his way out with an axe and ran, chased by the police. As the police got hold of him, he unsuccessfully slashed at them with a knife.

Believe It Or Not!

We have heard warm praise from a Diehard about the splendid job being done on the small ships’ wharf by the Department of Works.

Plans For Fresh Food

Mr. Anderson, Managing Director of Anderson’s (Pacific) Trading Co., Ltd., is in Port Moresby in connection with his projected deep sea fishing venture.

Rumour hath it that he is negotiating

the purchase of two trawlers; that his ice-works are already functioning; and that the machinery for making boxes for the fish is being Installed. Mr. Anderson will return on the Bulolo from Lae.

Territorians look forward to the day when they can have fish regularly with out the aid of a tin opener. Ever since fresh green peas and new potatoes from the “Centre” have been purchaseable, Rabaulites have talked of the possibilities of fresh lamb chops. Highlanders, please note!

Progress

That Meen’s milk bar is popular is Indicated by extensions being made there at the moment. Mr. Meen plans to run a cool drinks and sweets canteen on the Recreation Reserve each week-end. A similar stand at the picture theatre does a roaring trade.

Rabaul Improvements

Urging before the Rabaul Advisory

Council that appointment of two civilian J.P.’s be sought, Mr. Dudley Jones ex plained that under present circumstances an alternative bench could not be formed if the official Magistrate had to retire owing to the Administration being a party in a case.

The Council has suggested the pro vision of suitable signs at dangerous points along the Kokopo road and the provision also of well marked parking areas in the town. As part of the new plan of re-establishing Rabaul, the

Council wants pressure brought on persons concerned to quickly remove wartime salvage. The need now for a survey was stressed—the Council pointed out that if it could spend £3,000 on a survey of Rapopo it surely could provide a suitable salary for surveyors. .Until a survey is complete builders are taking a big risk in proceeding with operations.

Co-operation between Advisory Council and District Commissioner has resulted in many improvements in town amenities in recent months.

Rank and file of Public Servants ar< very pleased with the decision in relation to Rabaul—they hope that now they maj expect the provision of good quarters instead of the temporary and costly makeshifts which they have had tc endure so long.