‘Gus’ Martin

leaves Norfolk Island

By Norfolk Island Correspondent With considerable reluctance, Mr . Augustus (Gus) Martin says farewell to Norfolk Island in March after spend ing 35 years in business here. Increasing poor health recently has forced premature retirement at the tender age of 76!

A veteran of the South Pacific a, Mr. Martin spent eight years as a plantation manager in the New Hebrides prior to the outbreak World War I. Despite inducement To stay put, Gus sailed off to and spent more than three France. rrived at Norfolk Island in d commenced business on his :ount. Over the years he has > a considerable number of >es. He is local agent for Oil company, has represented shipping agents F. H. Stephens 1. for the past 15 years and lucted various other activities. ias witnessed many changes he says, “Not all of them en for the better. e was a more liberal, free y attitude to life on Norfolk he war,” he says. “Of course is no airport and consequently id was more isolated. iorse Not in a Hurry" accepted way of moving was by horse and sulky. Even were in a hurry the horse If another horse and sulky d to pass by, then your own ould just stop—in anticipation at between passengers!” ig his 35 years here Mr. has found the size of the on has not varied much. The alteration was during the de years when many Norfolk returned to grow bananas for When this trade petered out worst effects of the economic were over, the population I again as many islanders re o Australia and New Zealand.

I. Stephens Pty. Ltd. have ver Mr. Martin’s business on Island but have retained the f the founder. The new con ill be known as “Martin’s :s”. They have appointed a

manager, Mr. T. H. Thompson, who arrived recently to attend to the handing over process. Mr. and Mrs.

Thompson are busy getting to know the island and its ways.

It would not be surprising if Mr.

Martin were to continue to take an interest in the new company in a consultative capacity. Many people in this Territory have learned to re spect his shrewd judgment, business acumen and straightforward dealings and Gus Martin will be remembered \vith affection.

Mr. Martin will live with his wife in Sydney, until they find a house to suit them.

New Club Houses

For Port Moresby

Latest in the line of Port Moresby sporting clubs to provide themselves with improved club houses is the Port Moresby Bowling Club, which has moved in to new club rooms, still facing Ela Beach. The man be hind the scheme was Mr. Cecil Wel don, who made the first rough sketch and who helped put on the last dab of paint. The Rugby League Club has already opened a new club house and grandstand, and the Port Moresby Yacht Club has enlarged and modernised its club rooms.