Sepik Robbies

He's Another of the Sepik Robbies

wolfish smile and wicked moustachioi of Wilfred Robinson made many friendl during a seven months' visit to the Sepil River, where he was staying with his brother E. D. Robinson, the "Sepik Robbie" of Coastl watching fame. Being "Sepik's" elder brothei would be sufficient entree to most Territory circles, but Wilfred is also as charming a: his appearance is striking.

Born in Doncaster, Yorkshire, in 1891 he was 21 when his brother Eric (Sepik) left foi Australia, and they have only recently met again after 44 years. They both fought in two World Wars without seeing each other. Wilt finished the First World War as an RSM, after service in Mesopotamia and Persia, reverting to his job in Local Government as Relieving Officer in Doncaster.

During the Second World War he served as> Adjutant in the Home Guard, and then in the Command of the Cadet Corps of the King s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. Returning once more to peacetime work he was appointed!

Director of Welfare Services in Doncaster County Borough.

He retired in 1956 at the age of 65, and! immediately set out to join his daughter im Australia. She had marrier a former RAAF : officer, Cyril Small of Castlecrag. They are nowi living at Lane Cove, and their home is about! to become a Sepik River outpost.

Wilfred, who is very taken by the Australiani use of Christian names in place of the meaningless "Mister", went to the Sepik River for three months and stayed for seven, during i which time he was able to do several trips: up that remarkable river. There he was : spotted by Lee Robinson, who was directing the Chips Rafferty documentary film "High i Adventure", and so Wilf was interviewed by Lowell Thomas in the film on TV. This is part; of a series sponsored by General Motors, and made by the Southern International Film Company.

After being a widower for 16 years, Wilf is not in the marriage market. But he makes friends wherever he goes, and is now pleased to be settling down as a New Australian.—

Brett Hilder.