Passage

Coronation Day at Buka Passage

Sohano was the centre of the Coronation celebrations held by the Buka Passage (NG) community. European residents from surrounding plantations and natives from Buka and other islands all congre gated in Sohano for the great day. The wharf and Administration buildings were gaily decorated and the craft were festive with flags and pennants.

Mr. Cornwell, of Skotolan Methodist Mission, conducted the Church Service after which a parade of natives, headed by a detachment of the Royal Papuan

and New Guinea Constabulary marched into position round the flag pole. The District Commissioner, Mr. CoUn Maclean, gave an address, followed by the Oath of Loyalty, two minutes' silence, cheers for the Queen and concluding with the singing of the National Anthem. At the march past, the salute was taken by the District Commissioner supported by Mr.

Alf Long, president of the local sub-branch of the RSL. A tree-planting ceremony, displays by the police squad and the schoolchildren, and native pageants com pleted the day’s programme. Special mention should be made however, of the Marist Mission’s pupils, who formed a living Union Jack in colour, and of the children’s whistle band with its en thusiastic drummer and diminutive drum major.

In the evening the District Commissioner held a reception and dance at his residence, where guests were able to listen to the broadcast of the Westminster Abbey service. The Royal Toast was honoured after the Queen had been crowned.

Fireworks and bonfires added to the enthusiasm of the natives feasting and dancing on the football ground.

A Fiji army rugby team which was flown from Malaya to Indo China in June, defeated a com bined French army-navy team at Saigon 42-3—and a French air force team by 76-0. The Fijian team was headed by Battalion Commander Lieut.-Col. Edward Cakobau.

Replacing the Matua, which is re lieving on the New Zealand inter island service, the USS Co’s freighter Katui made a trip to Suva early July, loading nearly 15,000 cases of bananas for Lyttelton, NZ. She was to make another trip late? July.

Matua was expected to leave Auck land in resumption of her normal service August 22.