People

Deaths of Islands People

Mrs. E. L. Leembruggen

The death occurred suddenly in Sydney on July 30 of Mrs. Helitia (Ella Rangitihi Kahira) Leem bruggen. Although born in New Zealand she spent most of her life in Fiji (where her uncle, Sir John Thurston, was an early Governor)

and in the islands of the Western Pacific High Commission, where she was held in high esteem.

She married twice; first a member of the Bentley family in Fiji, and in 1925, Mr. E. L. Leembruggen of the WPHC Civil Service. In the

1920’s and 1930’s they lived at Ocean Island, Fanning and the New Hebrides where they became popular and well-known members of these communities.

After Mr. Leembruggen’s retirement they made their home in Sydney.

Mrs. Leembruggen is survived by her son, Mr. Harold Thurston Bentley, a member of the Colonial Service now stationed in Nyasaland; by her daughter, Margaret (Mrs.

Pearson, of Sydney); by her husband, of Strathfield, Sydney; Pa * en thorpe, of Christchurch, NZ, TVTR p?rvRT?T?T wat ttit'd

Mr. Robert Walker

A former Education Officer in the

Cook Islands, Mr. Robert Walker died at Napier, NZ, on August 16.

Mr. Walker went to the Cooks as Headmaster, Arorangi School, Rarotonga, in 1927. He was appointed Education Officer ten years later, and resigned in 1946 to take a teaching position in New Zealand. He has been retired for several years. He was aged 59.

Mr. Walker is survived by his wife who was also teaching in the Cook Islands.

Mr. J. H. Netzler

An old and respected resident of Western Samoa, Mr. John Henry Netzler, died recently at his home at Motootua, Apia, after a long ill ness at the age of 67.

Born in Apia in 1890, Mr. Metzle] trained as a blacksmith in Suva ri.ii, and returned to Samoa in 191( to establish his own business as £ blacksmith.

He leaves a wife, five children anc 21 grandchildren. The funeral was attended by a large and represent ative gathering.

Rev. Father Alphonse

Schaefer

One of the pioneer missionaries of New Guinea, Rev. Father Alphonse Schaefer, died in August, aged 54.

Father Schaefer last March hac been sent from New Guinea tc Rome, where he was delegate ol the Society of the Divine Word New Guinea Missions to the General Chapter. However, while there he had suffered a heart attack and went home to Germany for treat ment. He was in Germany when he died.

Father Schaefer first went to New; Guinea in 1930, where he was at pioneer of the Chimbu Catholic Missions. In 1934, Father Schaefer, Father Ross, Father Morscheusen and Brother Eugene made the long' trek into the Highlands from the coast, Father Schaefer settling all Mingende, Father Ross pushing onr to open up the Mt. Hagen area..

The two others were killed by, hostile native arrows.

Mr. lan Downs, MLC, a former] Eastern Highlands District Com missioner, spoke for many when hes paid this tribute to the late Fathen Schaefer after news of his death hadt reached New Guinea: “For nearly 30 years he was thes chief inspiration for good in name of Christianity in the Chimbui area. Thousands found faith through! his teaching, through his relentlesse pursuit for good and through hiss patient and human understanding* of the people.

“He was an educationalist, ar farmer and a practical man who byy his example led people by manyy roads to knowledge that wass helpful to them. His influence ex tended beyond his own particular! • to all who came in contact! with him. He was a gentleman inr the best sense of that word and a£ very brave man.

“After the war, Father Schaefer be came better known to the Europeano community through his effectives membership of the Eastern High lands Advisory Council to which hes always made a valuable contribution..! in his early passing at the age off only 54 years, the Territory has lost!; a great personality and a greatfj human figure.

“All his friends will want hisa people in Westphalia to know that!, Alphonse Schaefer was to us andb thousands of Highlands people as noble and an inspiration. A mann who in any walk of life would haves been a leader but who sublimatedb great gifts of personal leadershipq to serve God.”