Isolated Penrhyn
p. 63 · Read in the full issue
Surprise Visitors to Isolated Penrhyn
PENRHYN Island, Northern Cooks, had a surprise visit by the Royal Air Force on Sep tember 27.
Two RAF Shackleton long-range reconnaisance bombers which have been visiting the South Pacific, flew to the atoll from Canton Island.
The first aircraft arrived over Penrhyn at 7 am and carried out aerial photography until 10 am. The second aircraft arrived overhead at 8.35 am and landed on the disused airstrip at 9 am, taking off again for Canton at 1.40 pm.
This was the first aircraft to land on the war-time built strip since the Americans departed in 1946.
The same aircraft, with their powerful radar, co-operated in the Joyita search some days later.
r Following an inspection cruise of the Papuan Gulf area recently, the Senior Medical Officer said that about 150 leper patients were re ceiving treatment in the area at pre sent. This number, he said, warranted establishment of another leprosy hospital in the area.
H After many years service the Rev. W. G. Murphy will retire on January 31. 1956, from his duties as head of the London Missionary Society in the Cook Group. He will live in the UK. The Rev. Mr.
Thoroughgood, formerly resident at Aitutaki, will replace him.