Ng Natives Give Long,
p. 37 · Read in the full issue
Loyal Service
Lovat o RABAUL, May 8. oy AL Service Medals were pre sented to Sambotan Batell and Kabilon Kui, at Rabaul, in front of the District Office, under the flag, by the District Commis sioner (Mr. J. K. McCarthy). The combined service of these two natives total 66 years.
Sambotan Bateli was born in New Ireland. He joined the Administra tion service in 1915 as quarter master on the former German Gov ernment vessel Sumatra, and served in this and other vessels until 1934, when he transferred to shore duty as a sailmaker. During the war he lived in Rabaul with local natives and escaped capture by Japanese.
He joined the Government after the war, and is still employed by Customs. He has completed 39 years of service.
Kabilon Kui, a native of Amele (near Madang) also started work in 1915, but as personal servant to a former District Officer, Mr. W.
Townsend. When Mr. Townsend re tired in 1927, Kabilon joined the Customs Department. He lived in Rabaul with the Tolai people dur ing the war, resuming duty with the Administration in 1945. He is at present the chief Powerhouse at tendant at Kokopo, and holds a certificate of efficiency as an engine driver, grade IV.