Deaths Of Islands People

Mr. Donald W. Chambers Ir. Donald W. Chambers, who lived in Rarotonga for the last years, died there on September aged 79. l native of Yorkshire, England, Chambers spent his working life Rdia before retiring in 1937 and ig to the Cook Islands. He blished the first Boy’s Club in Cook Islands, using his own ley to do so. The club flourished 1 village cinema shows were >duced, then membership began Iwindle. [r. Chambers was interested in 1 music and bought musical uments for local youths to fise on. His house at Black Rock always open to young people, was a foundation member of the otonga Bowling Club and its sec ry for many years until ill health ?ed him to resign. He was also ;en botanist and stamp collector represented the Church of land, co-ordinating the visits of lican clergymen, r. Chambers is survived by an r brother.

Robati Sema obati Sema, the oldest retired or in the Cook Islands, died on ember 16 at Rakahanga aged 80. xactly 56 years before, he entered amoa Theological College. In 1, he became pastor for the

London Missionary Society at Titi kaveka and he was later pastor and schoolteacher at Rakahanga and Mani hiki. Pastor Sema became Nikao’s first pastor in 1937 and in that year he laid the foundation stone for the present Nikao church.

After terms at Rarotonga and Mangaia he retired in 1950, at the end of 33 years’ service.

Robati is survived by his widow, 10 children, 69 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

Mr. Phillip L. James Mr, Phillip Lyndon James, a pro minent company director and com munity worker in Rabaul, New Britain, died in Brisbane recently. He was 55.

When Mr. James arrived in the territory with his wife, Hulda, in 1949, he worked for the Rabaul power station. After three years he formed a business which operated agency lines, building prefabrication and a plantation.

Mr. James studied at Perth Uni versity Science Faculty, where he was a brilliant student (he obtained an honours degree) and an outstand ing athlete.

In Rabaul, he was prominent in sporting circles, and was one of the prime movers behind th e town’s swimming club.

Mr. James is survived by his widow and four daughters.