Do You Remember?

From RIM of 20 Years ago

Jf SU6 io \ Apr ui’ 1938 had a familiar ring about it—it spoke of banana export problems, Mission difficulties, exploding volcanoes shipping disasters, the copra market, tourist possibilities—and the comings and goings of Islands people. Here are some highlights:

From New Guinea, a correspondent, Mrs.

Helena Rex, was complaining that many of the Missions "don't play fair". She said, "They obtain from the Administration special con cessions on the strength of their activities being of a spiritual nature. But that doesn't prevent them entering into the sordid, money making businesses they affect to so despise". * * * The NZ Government decided to take over the marketing of Fiji bananas in NZ, because it considered the price was too high. * * * In Tonga there were rumblings about the active part the Wesleyan Mission was supposed to be playing in local politics, and a report said there was "bitter criticism" over the fact that "no important step is taken by the Government nowadays unless the Methodist missionaries are first consulted". * * * Manam Island volcano, off the coast of the Madang district in NG, was in violent eruption, and there was concern for the natives, who couldn't get to the mainland because of heavy seas. (It has been in eruption in the last few months, and the natives have been evacuated to the mainland).

Isolated Midway Island, just a cable station, would be converted to a powerful naval base, the US Government announced. * * * The Finnish barque “Pamir" (which sank in tragic circumstances last year) visited Noumea to load nickel ore for Germany—and caused something of a furore in the process. The Finns' interest in the local ladies upset numerous husbands and lovers. Some crew members also insisted in shouting "Hell Hitler!" around the town. Brawls soon broke out and the crew was confined to the ship at night. * * * BP's ship, the "Morinda" struck a reef off Malo Island in the New Hebrides. A French sloop took off her passengers, and she was floated off a day or two later with only minor damage. * * * HMCS "Pioneer", official Government yacht for Fiji for many years, made her last voyage —to the open sea, where she was sunk.

"Pioneer" had originally been built by Singer, the sewing machine millionaire, and com mandeered by the British Admiralty in World War I.