Ng Stone-Age Men

Sample Outside World

RECENTLY twenty natives of Mendi, NG Southern Highlands, decided to see the world outside their valley, and accepted a govern ment invitation to visit Goroka, in the Eastern Highlands. They were careful to explain that they were the first Mendi people who had ever desired to leave the valley. At Goroka they were employed by the Administration, as the first step in familiarising them with “civilised” surroundings.

These experiments have been tried before with other primitive P-NG natives, and some idea of the reaction of these people can be gained from the experience of some from the Adelbert Ranges.

Like the Mendi natives, they were on their first introductory visit to the “outside world,” and on reach ing the coast boarded a very small craft en route to Madang.

They were not at all sure about that boat, but they almost collapsed with amazement when a 300-tonner hove into view. They were just getting their breath back after that jolt, and feeling brave enough to take a second look, when the 6.000ton Bulolo came around the bend!

BISHOP AUBIN of the Marist Mission in the Solomons, who has laboured there through the past 45 years of changing times, of prosperity and depression, Japanese invasion and post-war period.

Jean Marie Aubin was born in Brittany, France, in December, 1883, was ordained in 1906, took his vows in 1907, and went straight to the Solomons. He became Vicar Apostolic of the South Solomons in 1935, and titular Bishop of Antipelles. He was a man of 60 when the Japanese in vaded Guadalcanal, but he remained at his post until rescued by the Americans.

During the war years and the difficult post-war years the Bishop’s health had been failing, but a long spell in Australia has restored his health and youthful spirit. Monseigneur Aubin is distinguished by a gentleness and charm which endear him to all who meet him. Beneath that charm lies a strength of character sufficient for a saint who is also shepherd of a large mission enterprise.—BßETT

Hilder.

These Tongan boys, off to a new life in New Zealand, travelled south by September Tofua. Left to right: Halafihi Sio’ata, Supi Lio, Sione Fili, Taniela Mali Mataliki Pelisikoti.