GEIC Top Man

New Zealander Is GEIC Top Man

From a Correspondent

The new Resident Commissioner for the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony is a New Zealander, Mr.

V. J. Andersen.

MR. ANDERSEN, at present BSIP Secretary for Protectorate Af fairs, in Honiara, succeeds Mr. M. L.

Bernacchi, who left Tarawa in Oc tober on pre-retirement leave after nine years in the post ( PIM, Nov. p. 25).

Mr. Andersen’s appointment was announced in late November, and he and his wife, Leone, will arrive in Tarawa about April. They have two small children, the youngest being nine months.

Mr, Andersen is receiving con gratulations from all sides, for he is extremely popular here. Both he and his wife will be missed from the Honiara scene.

Mr. Andersen was born in Palmer ston North, and educated in Auck land, where he obtained his BSc. He was with the Royal Navy for six years from 1940, finishing as a lieutenant in command.

He joined the Colonial Service in 1947 as a cadet administrative officer, was posted to the BSIP and has been here ever since.

He was appointed Secretary for Protectorate Affairs in January, 1958, after holding various posts in cluding those of District Commis sioner, He is a most energetic officer, and among his recent interests has been the promotion of the BSI Amateur Sports Association. He is also chair man of the Copra Board.