Rabaul Farewells

Popular Matron

From Our Own Correspondent

Rabaul, May 26.

RABAUL people have been saying farewell to Matron Isobel Han lon, of the European Hospital, and a round of functions has been the result.

About 200 friends gathered on the lawn at the home of Dr. Ben Pike last Saturday evening. Nursing Sisters of the hospital helped to serve a delightful buffet dinner.

Mr. J. K. McCarthy, District Commissioner, commented on the years since the war, in which Isobel Hanlon has become such a well-known and much-loved figure in the community.

The New Britain Ladies Club held an afternoon tea on Tuesday last, in order that many friends of Matron Hanlon could be present in Rabaul from outlying districts.

A cocktail party will be held at the New Guinea Club on May 27, where the majority of the business people will be able to say their farewells and express appreciation of her sterling work.

Various private dinner parties and small gatherings by more intimate friends have also been arranged.

Matron Hanlon expects to leave Rabaul on 4i months furlough. After her holiday, she will return to Port Moresby to relieve one of her col

leagues who is due for long leave.

It is not known now whether Matron Hanlon will return to Rabaul —but everyone hopes so.

Walter Brunn was fined £3O for flying his Auster aircraft below 500 feet at Balmoral Beach, Sydney, and another £3O for having flown in such

a manner as to cause “avoidable danger to persons.” It was alleged that he dived to within 50 feet of the beach. His counsel said he certainly would not do it again, and that he would not fly any more in NSW because he was going to New Guinea, where he might do some commercial flying.