Montevideo Maru Sinking

Tenth Anniversary Of

A REPRESENTATIVE gathering of New Guinea ex ana present residents gathered at tne Ceno taph, Martin Place, Sydney at 3 pm on June 29 to take part in a com memorative service to the men of New Guinea—mostly from Rabaul and New Britain—who died in the sinking of the Montevideo Maru. It is just ten years since this ship was lost off the Philippines when carry ing Australian POWs and New Gui nea internees to Japan.

The ceremony was organised by the New Guinea Women’s Club of Sydney and was conducted by the Rev. C. F. Gribble, General Secre tary of the Methodist Overseas Mission. At the conclusion of the short but impressive service, Mrs.

N. H. Foxcroft, president of the Women’s Club placed a wreath on the Cenotaph. The New Guinea Ex-Servicemen’s Club were renre sented at the ceremony and a wreath was placed on the Cenotaph on their behalf. There were many private floral tributes.

Later, afternoon tea was served in the Ex-Servicemen’s club rooms ip George Street. (According to official reckoning, Montevideo Maru was sunk on July 1. but the day is commemorated on the nearest Sunday.) Simbilando Pltn. in the Western Solomons has been purchased b Tr *wo native trustees appointed by Vella Lavella Native Council. It will be used for the resettlement of Eduali natives.