PACIFIC ISLANDS Monthly October 18, 1943 VOL. XIV. NO. 3.

Established 1930 WL \ v \ \ \ * IRegistered at the G.P.0., Sydney, for transmission by post as a newspaper ] 8"

CEREMONY in Suva, when Sir Henry Milne Scott, as chairman of executive of Fiji War Fund, is presented by Fijian community with the Tabua, and over £8,OOO. (See article in this issue.) In picture, from left to right, are: Major-General C. F.

Thompson (American Commander), Sir Henry Scott, Esala Vulatolu (Sir Henry’s Matanivanua, or Fijian ADC, who is receiving the Tabua on Sir Henry’s behalf, and replying in Fijian), and Sir Owen Corrie (Chief Justice of Fiji).

New Guinea’S Missing Men

Latest Unofficial Information WE have been kindly permitted by the authorities to publish the following list of men who were residents of the Mandated Territory of New Guinea when the Japanese invaded that country, and who were not able immediately to escape.

This list does not include the names of Australian soldiers who were then in New Guinea—only those of civilians.

This is not a complete list. In a number of cases, when only a name is given, it means “No information.” But there were many men in New Guinea in January, 1942, concerning whom there still is no information, whose names are not given here.

The following information about the people concerned is not official, and must not be accepted as such. But, in compiling the list, we have exercised great care; and where any information of doubtful authenticity is included, it is so indicated.

This list was last published in December, 1942. Since then, we have removed from it the names of the following people, since reported to have escaped to Australia:—G. E. Guthrie, F. A. Archer, M. Babbage, W. H. Briggs, Mr. and Mrs.

C. I. H. Campbell, R. M. Crook, K.

Douglass, Mrs. E. Falkiner, G. Geldard, G. Gray, A. W. Hallam, Wally Hooke, M.

Johnston, Paul Mason, T. Roper, Ned Rowlands, L. J. Stokie, R. Stuart, A.

Tudberry, J. M. Woolley.

Note: P.O.W. means “Prisoner of War.”

Administration ALLEN, W. E., warrant officer.

Reported safe.

ASH, N. E., warrant officer.

ATHERTON, J. M., dispenser.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

BADGER, H. J., chainman.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

BECK. N. R., overseer, native labour.

BECKETT, H. J., mechanic.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

BENHAM, G. W., patrol officer.

BIRD, R. A., clerk.

Reported safe.

BOWMAN. A. M. (Miss), nurse.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

BOWMAN, H., Medical Assistant.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

BRINSTON, H. G. W„ clerk.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

BROWN, R. A. L., mechanic.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

BROWN, T. G., warrant officer.

BRUCKSHAW, A. F„ clerk.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

BURKE. J. D., clerk.

CAMERON, A., mechanic.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

CARR, L. A. A., road overseer.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

CHAUNCY, A. A., surveyor.

Believed safe.

CLARK. 1., med. assistant.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

COE, P. E. R.. clerk.

Reported safe.

CONSIDINE, L. A., clerk.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

COOMBER. A., med. assistant.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

COOPER, R. W., medical officer.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

COTTEE, G. A., mechanic.

CRESWICK. A. D.. fitter and turner.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

CROCKER, M. C., agric. inspector.

CRUISE, J. 8., dispenser.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

DAVIES, R.. public health assist.

Reported safe.

DAYMOND, J. E., district officer.

Believed P.O.W.

DEACON. L. A., clerk.

DICKSON, J. F., storeman.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

EDWARDS. M. S.. patrol officer.

Believed P.O.W.

EGLINTON, A. M., storeman.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

EVANS. T. E.. public health asst.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

FIELD, C. R„ Director of Public Works.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

FILAN, S. H„ clerk.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

FITZGIBBON. W. H., foreman plumber.

Believed safe.

FORSYTH, R. H„ clerk.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

GOAD, J. C. (Snr.), med. assistant.

Believed P.O.W.

GOSS, M. E. (Mrs.), nurse.

Believed safe.

GRAY, K. M., med. assistant.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

GREEN, E. C. D., agric. superintendent.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

GREGORY, H. A., district officer.

HASLAM, F., draftsman.

Reported safe.

HAWNT, E. M., telephone foreman.

HAY. A., medical officer.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

HOGAN, G. G., crown law officer.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

HOSKING, H. C., medical officer.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

HUNTLEY, W. R„ clerk.

Reported safe, JOHNSON, E. F., clerk.

KELLY, E. T. C., agric. inspector, KING, A. J„ audit clerk.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

KRUGER, G. D. M. (Miss), nurse.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

KYLE, A. F., asst, district officer.

LOCKHART, J., health inspector.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

LIVINGSTONE, W. J., warrant officer.

Believed P.O.W.

MANTLE, F. W., district officer.

MARSHALL. J. D., clerk.

MATER. C. S. P.. clerk.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

MAYE. D. (Miss), nurse.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

MITCHELL. E. H. F., patrol officer.

MULVEY, N. W., engineer.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

MURRAY, G. H., Director of Agriculture.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

McDOUGALL, D., warrant officer, McGAHAN, J. C. (Miss), nurse.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

McLELLAN, J. M. (Miss), nurse, P.O.W. letter received. Well.

NAULTY. P. G., warrant officer.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

OLDROYD-HARRIS, J. D. (MISS), Nurse.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

PAGE. H. H., Govt. Secretary.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

PARRY. A. R., med. assistant.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

PERRETT. A., mechanic.

PICKERING, M. 8.. clerk.

PINES, C. M.. med. assistant.

PLUMMER, H. 0., senior health inspector.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

RANKIN. D. J., storeman.

READ, W. J., asst, district officer.

Known to be safe.

REYNOLDS, J. A., clerk.

Believed safe.

ROBERTS, D. L., asst, teacher.

Believed safe.

ROBINSON, H. E., accountant.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

ROGERS, R. W., road overseer.

Reported killed.

RYAN, F. W., asst, teacher.

SAUNDERS, L. C., clerk.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

SAVAGE, S. K., clerk.

SCHMIDT, A., head teacher.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

SHERWOOD, K. A., mechanic.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

SHOOBRIDGE, 1., legal assistant.

SIMNETT, P. J., Warrant Officer.

Reported to have died.

SMITH, D. McD., foreman carpenter.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

SMITH, F., storeman.

SMITH, J. 0., overseer, native labour.

SMITH, J. W., postmaster.

SNOOK, S., warrant officer.

SOLOMON, E. E., mechanic.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

SOLOMONS, R. L., clerk.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

SQUIRES, R. T., med. assistant.

STALEY, W. G., road overseer.

STEVENS, R. H„ clerk.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

STEWART, G. D., storeman.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

STEWART, J., overseer.

STRATHEARN, A. J., clerk.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

STREET, J. L., Registrar-General and Official Trustee.

THOMAS, C., warrant officer.

THOMPSON, L. C., med. assistant.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

TITCHENER, J. W., assistant.

TOWNSEND, H, 0., Treasurer.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

VENNING, F. 0., storeman.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

VOSS, G. H. D., asst, teacher, P.O.W. letter received. Well.

WALKER, G. E., senior clerk.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

WALKER, T., warrant officer.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

WALSH. T. R., mechanic.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

WATERMAN, F. A., auditor.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

WAYNE. R. N., interpreter.

P.O.W. letter.

WHITEMAN, A. K., senior clerk.

Reported safe.

WILKINSON, J., overseer, native labour.

YOULDEN. R. M., clerk.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

Civilians ADAMS, H.. Bainings, planter.

Reported safe.

ALLEN, G., Duke of York Island, planter.

ALLSOP, K. C., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

ARCHER. J. C., Rabaul.P.O.W. in Japan.

ASHBY, S., New Ireland, planter.

ATKINSON, W., Rabaul, planter.

ATTWOOD. W., Kavieng, engineer.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

BANKS, E., Rabaul, manager of Pacific Hotel, BARNES, C. W., Rabaul, compositor.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

BARRIE, J., Rabaul, engineer.

Reported killed.

BATH, V. G., Rabaul, native labour overseer.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

BEASLEY, REV, S. C., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

BEAUMONT, J. P., sawmiller, N. Britain.

BELL, G. (Snr.), New Ireland, planter.

BELL, LINCOLN, Nakanai, timber lease.

Believed safe.

BELL, DONALD, Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well. (Continued on Cover iil.) PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY OCTOBER, 1943

Pacific News-Review

Notes And Comment On

The Progress Of The War

FROM SEP. 15 TO OCT. 14 Sep. 15: Fighting at Salerno, on the west coast of Italy, has reached a critical stage. The Germans, counter-attacKing witn all they have, have forced the Fifth Army (American and British) to give ground in some places. The Eignth Army, which has captured Cozenza, aoout 110 miles to the south-east, is making rapid progress, so as to link up with the Fifth Army in the north.

Sep. 15: The Russians, continuing their great offensive with apparently increasing strength, have forced the Germans out of Bryansk. Russian forces have also penetrated Novorossisk (Black Sea naval base).

Sep. 15: Since the Allies captured Salamaua (New Guinea) on Sunday morning, lull pressure has been exerted against Lae, and this Jap-held base is expected to fall soon.

Sep. 16: Allied forces at Salerno (west coast of Italy) yielded further ground yesterday. Allies have occupied the island of Capri, off Naples.

Sep. 16: Several Jap strongpoints near Lae have been captured. Australian artillery is firing on the township.

Sep. 18: The Fifth and Eighth Armies have linked up in Italy and the bridgehead crisis is said to have ended around Salerno.

Sep. 18: Japs lost another 58 planes over Wewak (New Guinea) during the week. Japanese reinforcements have been brought continuously to this area from Hollandia, Sep. 18: The Russians have intensified their offensive and have launched a drive for Smolensk.

Sep. 20: Australians have captured Lae in New Guinea. The remnants of the Japanese garrison, who escaped into the mountains, are being mopped up.

Sep. 20: Both Fifth and Eighth Armies in Italy are now advancing, and the Nazis, for the first time, admit withdrawal. The Allies now have complete air supremacy over the area.

Sep. 21; British have occupied Castrel Orizo, the most easterly of the Dodecanese Islands.

Sep. 21: The Nazis, resisting strongly, are falling back all along the Dnieper River line, on the Russian front.

Sep. 22: Mr. Churchill, in the Commons, said there will be a mass invasion of Europe from the west, at the right time. The Mediterranean battlefront at no time was designed as a second front— it is a third front.

Sept. 22: The Fifth Army has driven the Germans back 30 miles on the Salerno front, and are approaching Naples.

Sep. 22: The Germans now are retreating everywhere along the Russian front, from north of Smolensk to the Sea of Azov.

Sep. 22: In US raids on the Gilbert Islands at the week-end, four Japanese vessels were damaged. The raiders made more than 200 sorties against Tarawa, Makin, Apemama, and Nauru, on Saturday and Sunday.

Sep. 23: The Eighth Army captured the important road and rail junction of Potenza (60 miles east of Salerno) strengthening the Allied line across Southern Italy, south of Naples.

Sep. 23: The advancing Russians are in sight of Kiev. The Germans are counter-attacking with considerable tank forces.

Sep. 23: Australian air-borne troops captured the enemy-held airstrip at Kaiapit (about 60 miles north-west of Lae, NG).

Sep. 24: Australian troops landed on Sep. 22 six miles north of Finschhafen, NG, supported by sea and air units, and are advancing upon the harbour area.

The country here is more open and there are few swamps.

Sep. 24; The German forces are forming a defensive ring north of Naples while, in the city, they are burning, looting and killing, and destroying the great harbour works.

Sep. 27: Russians, on the 24th, captured Smolensk, most important pivot of the Germans’ Dnieper River defence line.

Millions of men and great numbers of tanks are employed in this Dnieper battle, which is described as the greatest since the Hindenburg line was smashed in 1918.

Sep. 27: British Eighth Army units, on the west coast of Italy, threaten Foggia, big air base and road and rail junction.

Sep. 28: The great battle for the Dnieper River crossings is now in full swing. It is reported that the Russians are investing Kiev. South-west of Smolensk, the Red Army has entered White Russia.

Sep. 29: Yugoslav and Croat patriots are fighting to maintain their hold on the Dalmatian (Adriatic) coast). The Germans are pouring reinforcements into the Balkans and occupying Bulgaria in force.

Sep. 28: Japanese troops at Finschhafen are hemmed in by Australians and, although their resistance is fanatical, their position is hopeless.

Sep. 29: Eighth Army has taken Foggia, vital air Dase 85 miles north-east of Naples.

Sep. 29: Great gaps made by the Russian Army in the Germans’ Dnieper River line, make it possible to shatter the whole German front. The Germans are trying, at all costs, to stop the Russians crossing the Dnieper. If they do not, the Russian Army in White Russia will threaten the German rear on the Leningrad front; the three Red armies in Kiev will roll up the whole southern front; and the Russian advance towards the Dneiper mouth will cut off the German armies in the Crimea.

Sep, 30: The Fifth Army has smashed the German defences at Naples. British troops have entered Pompeii (12 miles from Naples).

Sep. 30: Between Kiev and Dnepropetrovsk, strong Soviet forces have crossed the Dnieper and established a bridgehead.

Sep, 30: A 200-bomber raid was carried out over the Wewak area, NG, on 27th; 50 enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground; three tankers were set on fire and left sinking; four merchant ships were sunk or badly damaged; 29 barges and luggers sunk or damaged.

Oct. 1: Wewak got another smashing blow on the 28th, when bombers, escorted by fighters, dropped 145 tons of bombs and blew up the main enemy ammunition dump on the peninsula.

Oct. 2: Americans, of the Fifth Army, have occupied Naples. The Germans fled, leaving the city in flames. The Germans may retreat to a line south of Rome, about 100 miles north of Naples.

Oct. 3: Yesterday, the Ninth Australian Division captured Finschhafen, NG.

Other Australian units, pressing on over the Markham-Ramu Divide, are now 90 miles from Madang.

Oct. 5; The Eighth Army made a surprise landing at Termoli (50 miles NW of Foggia, on Adriatic coast of Italy).

Oct. 7: Australians, driving down the Ramu Valley, are within 35 miles of the enemy base of Boradjim, on the coast, south-east of Madang.

Oct. 8: Fifth and Eighth Armies in Italy are meeting stubborn resistance and rain has also further hampered operations. German radio announces that German paratroops have occupied the Holy City, in Rome, and taken over the “protection” of the Vatican. Some sources suggest that the Germans may try to carry away the Pope, as a hostage.

Oct. 8; A strong attack by a US naval force on Wake Island is reported.

Oct. 9; In spite of autumn rains, Russians began a surprise offensive and are storming the Dnieper River at three places. They drove a wedge between the north and central German armies by capturing Neval.

Oct. 9: The former Japanese stronghold in the Solomons, Vila, and the whole of the southern portion of Kolombangara Island, are being abandoned by the enemy. The Japs are trying to evacuate this area by night, and our aircraft and light naval forces are takingheavy toll of their barges, Oct. 9: The Fifth Army captured Capua in Italy (on the Volturno River, 20 miles north of Naples). Capua is the key to the Volturno defence line.

Oct. 10: General Chiang Kai-shek sworn in as President of the Chinese Republic.

Oct. 11: Russians’ three powerful drives threaten to cut all the German forces in Russia into isolated groups. Moscow Radio reports that eight full Russian divisions, with artillery, now have crossed the Dnieper River.

Oct. 11: In Italy, Fifth Army and Germans are massed along the Volturno River, on opposite banks. A decisive battle, for Rome, is expected soon.

Oct. 11; American destroyers sank a Japanese cruiser and two destroyers convoying transport craft off Vella Lavella (Solomons). American losses are “moderate.”

Oct. 12: Allied bombers, in most devastating raid of Pacific war, to-day attacked Rabaul and destroyed or damaged 177 Jap planes, 49 ships, 70 harbour craft.

Oct. 12: Red armies in White Russia now 15 miles from Vitebsk (great German base on the Dvina River). German line north of Kiev has fallen.

Oct. 12: Allied forces have occupied last enemy stronghold on Kolombangara (Solomons). Japs now control only Choiseul and Bougainville Islands, between Americans and Rabaul.

Oct. 13: Portugal has permitted Britain to occupy the Azores, thus giving Britain invaluable mid-Atlantic base for operations against U-boats. Portugal’s neutrality policy is otherwise unchanged.

Oct. 13: Italy has declared war on Germany. Marshal Badcglio says that there will be no peace in Italy while a single German remains on her soil.

Oct. 14: British land, sea and air forces have landed in the Azores. Precautions are being taken in Portugal against possible German reprisals.

Oct. 14: The Germans are evacuating Kiev, Russia’s third city. leaving behind them a place blackened by fire and wreckage.

Mr. W. L. Hunt, who was second engineer on the Gilbert and Ellice Government yacht, “Nimanoa,” when she was put on the reef at Tarawa, in December, 1941, to keep her out of Jap hands, and who subsequently returned to Fiji, has left the service of the Western Pacific Commission. 1 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY OCTOBER, 1943

Useful Addresses

The following are the addresses of organisations set up to deal with Pacific Territories affairs:— PAPUA, NEW GUINEA, NAURU, NORFOLK IS.

Department of External Territories (Sydney Branch) (Lately the New Guinea Trade Agency), Australia House, Carrington Street, Sydney.

Telephone: BW 1776. (Dealing with all matters connected with the Australian Pacific Territories and also the Sydney representative of the New Guinea Copra Control Committee.)

British Solomon Islands

Sydney Office of British Solomon Islands Government (In charge of Mr. F. E. Johnson, Treasurer of the Solomons Administration), 17 Castlereagh Street, Sydney.

Telephone: B 1710.

Gilbert And Ellice, And

OCEAN IS.

Sydney Office of Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony (In charge of Mr, S. G. Clarke, Treasurer of the G. and E. Administration), Bank of New Zealand Building, George Street, Sydney. Telephone: B 2209.

For Pacific Territories

Evacuees Generally

Pacific Territories Association (C. A. M. Adelskold, Secretary), c/o Robert Gillespie Pty., Ltd., 54a Pitt Street, Sydney. Telephone: BW 4782.

War Damage Commission

Sydney Office: M.L.C. Buidling, Cnr. Martin Place and Castlereagh Street, Sydney.

Telephone: BW 2361.

For Claims Against Army

Mr. H. Alderman, Darwin-Moresby Claims Section, Chief Finance Office (Army), Victoria Barracks, Melbourne. rr w m des'S" 6 " ..rvice 9SO> Contents Pacific News Review 1 Is There to be a “New Order” in the Pacific? 3 £14,000,000 in War Damage Fund ... 4 Two Nations Woo Filipinos 5 Death of R. D. Bertie 5 Damien Parer Joins Americans .... 5 Marriage of Judge Phillips 6 Territories Casualties 6 Death of Judge Wanliss 7 New Life in Marquesas 7 M. Laigret—New F. French South Pacific Chief 7 “Eddie” Ward—New Minister for Australian Territories 8 Death of “Vince” Smith 8 Papua and N. Guinea Fraternise in Sydney 9 The Fiji Indian—A Pain in the Neck! 10 Pacific Races—Future Relations of Natives and Europeans 11 Samoa Resident Decorated 11 Fijians Led By New Zealanders— Good Work by South Pacific Scouts 12 Wartime Addresses of Thursday Is.

Residents 12 ANGAU and the Future 13 Pacific Affairs—University Quiz .... 15 Solomon Islands Reconstruction Plans 16 Sly Grog in Samoa—Extraordinary Differences in Fines 17 The Rising of the Palolo 19 Men of Torres Islands—Effect of War 20 Nostalgia—Unwilling Sydneyites Enjoy Hate Session 21 In the Track of the Americans— Changes in Noumea and Solomons 24 Fiji’s Secret Weapon 27 East of Samarai—Memories of Early Days 28 A Garden in Tahiti 30 Death of Squadron-Leader Stan Baldie 32 Japan’s Air Strength in Pacific .... 33 Fiji’s Honour Roll 36 Bishop Who “Lived Like a Rabbit” — Inspiring Story of Dr. Baddeley .. 38 New Guinea’s Missing Men—Latest Unofficial Information Govs, ii., iii. and page 37 ADVERTISERS A. Ltd. ... 22 Atkins Pty., Ltd., Wm 28 Australian Aluminium Co. Pty., Ltd 25 Broomfield. Ltd. . . 24 Brown, D. C. . . . 25 Brown & Co., Ltd., G 13 Brunton’s Flour . . 20 Burns, Philp Trust Co., Ltd 15 B. (S.S.) Co. . . 13 Carlton & United Breweries, Ltd. . 19 Carpenter, Ltd., W.

R cov. iv.

Chivers & Sons, Ltd 33 Coleman Lamp & Stove Co 23 “Cystex” 27 Darvas & Co. ... 33 Donaghy & Sons, Ltd 34' Donald, Ltd., A. B. 34 Dorn, Paul A. ... 40 Dr. Williams Pink Pills Electrolux Refrigerators . . 18 Foster Clark, Ltd. . 17 Garrett & Davidson 38 Gilbey’s Gin .... 14 Gillespie’s Pty., Ltd., Robert 25 Gillespie’s Flour . . 36 Gough & Co., E.

J 38 Grove & Sons, W.

H 14 Grand Pacific Hotel 2 Kopsen & Co., Ltd. 35 “ Lavex ” Washing Compound .... 26 Maxwell Porter, Ltd. 37 Merrillees & Co., J. C 20 “Mendaco” .... 32 Miller & Co. Pty., Ltd 27 Nelson & Robertson Pty., Ltd 35 “Nixoderm” .... 40 Pacific Is. Society . 13 Pearson, Russell . .31 “Pinkettes” .... 32 Rose’s Eye Lotion . 36 Queensland Insurance Co., Ltd. . . 29 Riverstone Meat Co., Ltd 21 Rohu, Sil 24 Scott, Ltd., J. ... 24 Steamships Trading Co., Ltd 29 Sullivan & Co., C. . 26 Swallow & Ariell . 16 Taylor & Co., A. . 30 “Tenax” Soap . . 32 Tillock & Co., Ltd. 36 “Van Kars”

Liqueurs .... 26 Wright & Co. ... 37 Wright & Co., Ltd., E 34 Wunderlich, Ltd. . 30 Young Pty., Ltd., Harry J 30 Yorkshire Insurance Co., Ltd 23 2 OCTOBER, 1943 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

Pacific Islands Monthly The Newspaper-Magazine of the South Seas [Registered at the G.P.0., Sydney, for transmission by post as a newspaper .] Published Once Each Month and Circulated in Australia and New Zealand and in the following Pacific Territories and Islands Groups: Australian Territory of Papua.

Mandated Territory (Australia) of New Guinea.

Australian Territory of Norfolk Island.

New Zealand Territory of Cook Islands.

Mandated Territory (NZ) of Western Samoa.

British Colony of Fiji.

British Solomon Islands Protectorate.

British Protectorate of Tongan Islands.

British Crown Colony of Gilbert and Ellice Islands.

Mandated Territory of Nauru.

British and Free French Condominium of New Hebrides.

Free French Colony of New Caledonia.

Free French Colony of Oceania (Tahiti, etc.).

American Territory of Eastern Samoa.

American Territory of Hawaiian Islands.

Owned and Produced by Pacific Publications Pty. Ltd., Union House, 247 George Street, Sydney. _ ( Managing Director .. BW 5037 TELEPHONE £ Business and Editorial MA 4369 P.O. BOX 3408 R Registered Address of Telegrams. Radiograms, and Cables: “Pacpub”, Sydney.

CONTRIBUTIONS.

Articles, Stories, and Photographs dealing with Pacific Islands subjects are invited and will be paid for on publication.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES.

Per Annum, within British Empire, Prepaid, Post Free 8/- Per Annum, elsewhere, prepaid, Post Free. 10/- Single Copies Bd.

Editor and Publisher: R. W. ROBSON, P.R.G.S.

Advertising Manager; L. W. Bailey.

Advertising Office and Printing-House: 29 Alberta Street, Sydney.

Advertising rates furnished on application.

Colours, etc., by arrangement.

Process Blocks made at Advertiser’s expense when required. Screen 100.

Changes of Advertising Copy should reach this office by Ist of each month, otherwise previous advertisement may be repeated.

REPRESENTATIVE IN LONDON.

W. C. Harvey, Coronation House, 4 Lloyds Avenue, London, E.C.3, from whom may be obtained copies of Pacific Islands Monthly, Pacific Is. Year Book, advertising schedules, etc.

AGENTS.

The following are authorised to recelre «übscriptions for Pacific Islands Monthly:— Burns, Philp Sc Co., Ltd., and Burns Phllp (South Sea) Co., Ltd. All branches.

W. R. Carpenter Sc Co., Ltd. All branches.

Morris, Hedstrom, Ltd. All branches.

Steamships Trading Co., Papua. All branches.

B.N.G. Trading Co., Ltd., Port Moresby, Papua.

J. Muir, Suva, FIJI.

Miss R. Castles, Suva. FIJI.

N. C Mackenzie Hunt, Walnunu, Bua, FIJI.

Cook Islands Trading Co., Rarotonga, Cook la.

A. C. Rowland, Papeete, Tahiti.

Islands Branches and Representatives of W. H.

Grove Sc Sons, Ltd., Auckland, New Zealand.

Ed. Pentecost, Noumea, New Caledonia.

Kerr Sc Co., Noumea, New Caledonia.

Vol. XIV. NO. 3.

October 18, 1943 Pr\ra i ld * Per Copyrnce ( Prepaid; 8/- p.a.

Is There to be a “New Order” in the Pacific?

IN the hearts of most Territorians (for so we designate nowadays those Europeans who have made their permanent homes in all the Pacific Islands between New Guinea and Tahiti) there is a strong, persistent but, alas! diminishing hope that they may see, after the war, in the Islands, a restoration of the conditions which ruled before Satan turned Schickelgruber and To jo loose upon the world.

It is a vain hope. Not only is War tearing to pieces the social structure of all native communities; War actually is altering the face of the Islands themselves, so that, when the armed forces have passed on, there will be roads and airfields and ports and little towns where, only two years ago, there was primitive jungle and untouched lagoon. Tens of thousands of Americans, Australians and New Zealanders, who never previously had seen a coconut, now are making an intimate acquaintance with the Pacific Islands. ' Many of them, inevitably, will return.

The Islands of the nineteenth century romanticists, already changing in the past two or three decades, now are gone, forever—blasted into the past by the foul hordes of Japan, and by the mighty machine which we have had to create to save ourselves from extermination.

We lament the passing of an era which held much of beauty and charm. But laments achieve nothing. The crime is not of our doing.

There is a job before us. Our Islands world has been shattered to bits; we may not re-mould it nearer to our heart’s desire, perhaps, but re-mould it we must. There is planning to be done.

MANY planners are at work. They have not reached the conference table, yet; but typewriters are running hot and printing-presses beginning to groan. There is a torrent of urging and argument; before long, it will become a flood.

There is great feeling, but a rather pitiful lack of vision.

These commentators are honest and altruistic, but most of them refuse to look at the future with more than one eye—the eye that has been trained to see only according to the measure of their personal experience and ambitions. The trader has one viewpoint; the administrative official another; the missionary yet another.

Each seems to think that the new Pacific world may be shaped something like the old Pacific world, that ended on December 7, 1941; and each hopes that the new shaping may be kinder to native rights, or commercial enterprise, or Governmental authority, or whatever it is he is interested in.

Already, they are arguing with each other—futile, useless argument. Why are they so blind to the plain, inescapeable fact that the old set-up in the Pacific Territories is being as ruthlessly torn apart by War, making a new and different shaping inevitable, as are the steppes of western Russia or the devastated cities of Germany?

INVASION and hard fighting in the Melanesian Territories, and the presence of large bodies of European soldiers, new to Islands life, in most of the Micronesian and Polynesian Territories, already have had a profound, disturbing effect upon the native peoples. In two ways, at least, their living conditions have been altered permanently—they have been brought into such close contact with masses of white men that the old. unwritten but very clearly defined distinctions, as between white and brown status, have been largely wiped out; and there is so much easily-won soldiers’ money in circulation now, in every Territory, that it is inconceivable that the natives will accept in the future the wages standards of the past.

Each of these facts creates a special set of problems for the future —one especially for the missionaries, and one for the employers of native labour.

But those things are concerned only with the future of the natives. The native problem, probably, is the first problem of the Islands—but it is by no means the only problem.

HOW are the Pacific Teritories, in future, to be controlled and administered? Are we to return to the pitiful, inadequate system under which each was tied separately to the tails of the bureaucracies of Canberra and Wellington, London and Paris and Washington, administered in separate, watertight, non-communicating compartments, so' that Fiji knows nothing officially of what is happening in Samoa, and New Guinea and Solomons disdainfully ignore administrative activities on the other

side of the imaginary line which' constitutes the border between them? Or are we to have some sort of a union, or federation, so that the administrative problems common to the dozen Territories south of the equator (and most problems are common to all) may be jointly studied, and a common policy,, based on experience, evolved?

The bureaucrats of Canberra and London, Paris and Wellington, will almost certainly run, yelping, to the defence of their privileges and perquisites; they will want the old system continued. We can expect nothing constructive from them. But what will America say?

Is it not becoming as clear as daylight that the United States, having been precipitated into this war by uncontrolled developments in the Pacific, is not going to retire from the Pacific until satisfied that all future war-making factors there are either removed or properly controlled? The Americans do not interfere with properly established Governments and national freedoms—that is the most prominent thing in the foreign relations history of the United States — but the Americans have left us in no doubt that, having come into the Pacific to clean up a ghastly mess, they are not going to leave the Pacific until all danger of another Pacific upheaval is gone.

IT will be surprising, indeed, if the retention of some form of American control in the Pacific is not accompanied by a rearrangement and redistribution of Pacific trade. Few of us—even the merchants whose interests may suffer—will quarrel with the new set-up.

As the months pass, and we get the events of that terrifying year of 1942 into focus, we realise more clearly the debt we owe to the United States. It was only that amazingly quick concentration of American power in the South Pacific in 1942 which saved us (the Pacific Territories certainly, and probably Australia and New Zealand as well) from invasion, enslavement and, maybe, extermination.

The Americans may not approve of the unscientific, haphazard administrative methods under which so many of the Pacific Territories were ruled.

They certainly will ask why, if selfgovernment can be allowed to the Tongans and the Filipinos, it should be withheld from certain Polynesian peoples, like the Samoans. Also, while acknowledging that the natives of New Guinea, Solomons and New Hebrides are still too primitive for self-government, the Americans may ask what has been done in the past to lift these Melanesians from the Stone Age into the Machine Age.

Most of those who are planning a new Islands set-up have little firsthand knowledge of Islands conditions.

They urgently demand that the Territories be reserved for the use of the natives; that “exploitation” should cease; and that far-reaching schemes of native education and health should •be put into operation—although how funds are going to be provided for schools and hospitals, if there is to be an extinguisher put on commercial enterprise, no one attempts to explain.

It seems to this writer that the academic folk are doing most of the planning, and the babbling; while the people with a practical knowledge of the Territories, who really can contribute something helpful are inarticulate and ignored.

LET there be planning, and early planning; but, if much confusion and exasperation and useless argument are to be avoided, let all the planners, before they begin to mould their new Pacific world, get a clear answer to the following questions:— Are the Territories to he administered in the future, as in the past, merely as appendages of various European and Dominions Governments, without any official communication or exchange betioeen Territories?

Will America insist that all such Governments shall formulate a definite native policy . in accord with some general principle covering the care, protection and education of natives?

If —as is anticipated—the policy of encouraging natives to become peasant landholders is generally accepted, how is it proposed to provide labour for industries in the Territories? By indenturing native labour from primitive villages, as a first step toward training the peasant-farmer (as was done in New Guinea and the Solomons) ? Or by bringing in Asiatic labour for a fixed term (as in Neio Caledonia and New Hebrides) ? Or by introducing a permanent community of Asiatic leaseholders (as in the case of the Indians in Fiji) ?

Is it possible or practicable to plan soldier-settlements in the Territories (which will certainly be demanded by both service-men and Governments) unless proper provision is made for (a) land, (b) adequate finance, (c) agricultural tuition, (d) labour, (e) tuition in the handling of natives, (f) guaranteed markets for plantation products, (g ) transport and communication.

Until the principles and policies involved in those questions are clarified, it is waste of time to talk much at this stage, about the future of the Pacific Territories.

Apology to Our Readers WE dislike, as much as do our readers, the poor class of paper upon which this journal is printed. It is part of the set-up of World War 11.

Bureaucracy argues that a journal like this is not really necessary to the national war effort. We must be grateful that we are permitted to live. Certainly, we may not indulge in luxuries. Good paper is a luxury.

If we are to be allowed to carry on, it is sufficient that we be legible.

And so, year by year, we have been compelled to print the “PIM” on a poorer and poorer class of paper, until now we have arrived at what is called “newsprint.”

There is no cheaper class of paper available to us.

Pre-war, this newsprint cost around £l5 per ton. To-day, the price is £7O per ton.

Sooner or later, in self-preservation, we shall have to raise the “PIM” subscription —probably, 10/- per annum, and 1/- per single copy.

We can but ask our readers to be patient.

Some day, when Mr. Schickelgruber has emitted his last screech, and Mr. Tojo has been sent in a little box on a final visit to his ancestors, normal conditions will return —including paper for which we need not apologise. £14,000,000 IN WAR

Damage Fund

Minister Makes a Statement (From Our Special Representative) CANBERRA, Oct. 12.

UESTIONS have been asked in Parliament concerning the intentions of the Government in regard to war damage insurance. It has been suggested that, now that the danger of invasion has passed, the amount of premium should be greatly modified, if it is considered necessary to continue compulsory contributions at all in view of the altered circumstances.

The Government is now considering a report on the subject from the War Damage Commission.

In an interview to-day, the chairman • Mr. A. W. Coles) stated that insurance premiums now paid totalled £14,000,000.

The position had improved greatly: it was not probable that anything like the call originally thought possible would now be made upon the fund.

“Whilst we have made certain advances in necessitous cases,” said Mr. Coles, “it will not be until the position is safe that claims in general will be met for not till then will it be possible to assess the damage fully.

“Most of the damage in Australia has been in Darwin, and a number of claims have also been received from other places in the North.

“The greatest call on the fund however, is from former residents of Papua and the New Guinea Mandated Territory. In the general evacuation, many people suffered heavy losses. When the war ends they may decide to go back, or they may elect to remain here. In any event, they will all be dealt with equitably.

“Until the Japanese are driven completely out of the Islands it is not possible to say what damage has been done, or to attempt to assess the losses in individual cases. But we have district committees already at work, and they are endeavouring to collect all available information for the establishing and recording of values, so that no delay may occur when rehabilitation is permitted by the Government.”

EDITORIAL NOTE: The Minister gives Territorians neither news nor reassurance. What they want to know is this: Provided there is to be sufficient money in the fund to permit real rehabilitation (which now seems likely) will Mr. Coles and his colleagues alter the definition of “war damage,” so that hundreds of Territories residents, whose property has disappeared or deteriorated by looting, neglect or Army operations since their compulsory evacuation, may receive compensation? At present, that kind of damage is called “indirect damage,” and is not subject to war damage insurance.

The only people who now can expect compensation are the lucky ones whose pronerty has been destroyed by bombs, shells or “scorched earth.” That is “direct” damage. The distinction is farcical—but it is still the law. 4

October, 19 4 3 -Pacific Islands Monthly

MR. R. D, BERTIE Sudden Death in Sydney NEWS of the death of Mr, Robert Dugald Bertie, the well-known legal practitioner, of Port Moresby, on October 2, came as a shock to Papuan people, to whom he appeared as a vigorous, middle-aged man.

Mr. Bertie left Port Moresby, as an evacuee, in February, 1942. His nephew, a partner in the Sydney law firm of Gray and Perkins, was gone on active service, so Mr. Bertie entered the office to help the other partners. In addition, he still had much work to do in connection with his large Papuan practice. He was attacked by thrombosis, and died, very suddenly and unexpectedly, within a few hours, at the age of 63.

He was a member of a well-known New South Wales family. He was educated in NSW and practised as a solicitor there for a good many years before, in 1916, he established his law business in Port Moresby. For 25 years, he was a wellknown figure in Papua, liked and respected by everyone. He built up a very good professional connection, and his clients included most of the leading commercial houses.

Mrs. Bertie died several years ago, in Port Moresby. Their daughter is Mrs.

Gilliland, now a resident of Sydney. Mr, and Mrs. Gilliland lived for some time in Papua.

Fiji Airman

Flying-officer Maurice Scott, of Suva, beside his Hurricane fighter, somewhere in the Mediterranean area. He calls his machine “The Flying Fijian,” and his insignia is a Fijian head. Also, on the plane, are painted the words “Maleka Jan,” Fijian for “good luck.” He has been in many fights, but, so far, “Maleka Jan” has attended him well.

Maurice Scott was educated in New Zealand and at Oxford; called to the Bar in England (Gray’s Inn); joined his father, Sir Henry Milne Scott, in the well-known legal practice in Fiji; and, when war broke out, he became a captain in the Fiji Military Forces. He decided to train for the RAF, so resigned his commission and left Fiji in April, 1941, and went to Southern Rhodesia.

Eleven months later he was flying a fighter in North Africa.

Men Who Stayed On Nauru WHEN the British community finally was evacuated from Nauru, in 1942, the following five men volunteered to remain, to care for the natives, and for the property and non-European employees of the British Phosphate Commission:— Lieut.-Colonel J. W. Chalmers, the Administrator.

Dr. B. H. Quin, Government Medical Officer.

Mr. A. P. Lloyd, dispenser (Dr. Quin’s assistant).

Mr. F. F. Harmer and Mr. W. H.

Doyle, of the BPC staff.

There also remained two Roman Catholic Missionaries, Rev. A. Kayser and a young Swiss priest, who had gone to Nauru from the Gilberts.

Late in 1942, the Japanese occupied Nauru, and it is presumed that all the men referred to are prisoners of war.

Territories Men In Jap

HANDS THE Pacific Territories Association in September made representation to the Minister for External Territories, Canberra, in regard to the exchange, with Japan, of Territories prisoners of war. It has received the following reply:— The Secretary, Pacific Territories Association, Dear Sir.—l refer to your letter of 2nd September in which you inquire whether any plan for the exchange of prisoners of war as between Australia and Japan has been set in motion.

This matter has been kept under constant review by this Department, which has compiled a list of residents of the Territory of New Guinea who are believed to be prisoners of war of the Japanese; and representations have been made, and will continue to be made, to the appropriate authorities, with a view to the inclusion of such persons in any exchange of prisoners that is arranged with the Japanese Government, (Signed) J. R. HALLIGAN, Assistant Secretary.

September 18, 1943.

Damien Parer Joins The

AMERICANS LATEST Australian to go over to the Americans is Damien Parer, whose films showing Australian troops in action in the Middle East, Greece, Crete, New Guinea and the South Pacific, put the Australian Department of Information—and Australia —cinematically on the map. Early this month he was accredited a war photographer with Paramount Films, and granted a licence to accompany Allied troops in the SW Pacific area.

The Department of Information won a great victory when Parer resigned in August; they had refused to grant his reasonable request for an increased expense allowance. No doubt the Department is still warmed by a bureaucratic glow at having “shown him”; but they have lost Australia the outstanding photographer produced by World War II in the Pacific.

Parer does not produce mere news-reels; he has the rare gfit of capturing the soul of his theme and presenting it to his audience as a living, personal experience.

But bureaucrats do not like ability—their job is to pare down the pennies so that thousands may be more spectacularly wasted in other directions. If we want genius—let’s import it from abroad.' The imported article must be good; the local prophet is notoriously without honour in Australia.

Two Nations Woo

FILIPINOS Situation With Political Possibilities IN a message broadcast to the Philippines on August 12, President Roosevelt said: “I give the Filipino people my word that the Republic of the Philippines will be established the moment the power of our Japanese enemies is destroyed.”

In mid-September, Tokio Radio announced that Japan was granting to the Philippines the status of an independent nation, and that a national assembly was to be elected.

About the same time, Senator Tydings (joint author of the Tydings-McDuffie Act, under which the United States made the Philippines a semi-independent Commonwealth in 1936, to become an independent nation on July 4, 1946; introduced in Congress a joint resolution to give full independence to the Philippines at once.

When Japan struck, on December 7, 1941, the Philippines were getting ready for complete independence, under American protection. The Japanese over-ran and took complete control of the country. President Quezon, Vice-president Osmena, and the Filipino War Cabinet escaped to America, where they now function as the Philippines Government, The Japanese immediately set up a Military Government in the group, appointed Filipino provincial Governors, and induced various prominent Filipinos to serve on an “Executive Commission,” which is actually a Filipino Puppet Government.

With deliberate purpose, Japan had been carrying on commercial penetration of the Philippines for two decades before the war. At least 40,000 Japs were settled in Mindanao, the most southerly island.

The group is nearly as big as Japan, and a rich economic prize, long coveted by the Japs.

The Japs—whose own policy has been shown in the enslavement of Korea, Manchuria and Occupied China—loathed the American policy of encouraging the Filipinos to govern themselves, and of granting them independence. The inclusion of the group in the Japanese Empire is a part of the Jap “Co-prosperity Sphere” plan.

For whom will the 16,000,000 Filipinos fight, when the war reaches the Philippines—for the Americans, who planned their independent nation for them, but who belong to the white race? Or for the Japanese, who claim blood relationship with the Filipinos, and who now are wooing them urgently, and promising them all kinds of blessings under “Coprosperity”?

There is little doubt that the mass of Filipinos will welcome the return of the Americans. Nonetheless, the issue is important—hence the moves and assurances reported at the beginning of this article.

Political events in the Philippines will have a far-reaching effect in South-east Asia and Indonesia, where several Asiatic countries have for long cherished plans of independence.

The sudden death of Mrs. Gwendolyn Rachel Ragg, wife of Mr. H. R. Ragg, acting executive engineer at Lautoka, Fiji, occurred on August 17. She was the daughter of the late Captain Davies, of Suva, and is survived by her husband, three young daughters and two sisters, Mrs. F. D. Burrows and Miss Kathleen Davies, both of Suva. 5 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY OCTOBER, 1943

Judge “Monty"

PHILLIPS Marriage in London rE marriage was celebrated at the City of London registry office of Wing-Commander Frederick Beaumont Phillips, RAAF, with Corporal Jean Briton-Smith, WAAF. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Briton-Smith, Central Terrace, Wellington, NZ, a few weeks ago.

Wing-Commander Phillips, who is attached to RAAF headquarters, London, is a former judge of the Supreme Court of the Territory of New Guinea, and was granted leave of absence when he joined the RAAF in 1940. He is a son of Mrs. C.

A. Phillips, C a m b e rwell, and the late M r. J. B.

Phillips, forni er 1 y of Hampden, Vic.

Cpl. Briton- Smith, who is also attached to RAAF headquarters as a driver for Air Vice- Marshal Wrigley, has been in England for about seven years.

Judge Phillips was popular and highlyesteemed in New Guinea. He was a Lands Commissioner in the Solomons in 1920-25; Magistrate in New Guinea in 1925; Supreme Court Judge in 1928; Chief Judge (when Judge Wanliss retired) ,in 1938. He rendered distinguished service in the Rabaul eruption in 1937 when, in the absence of the Administrator and Deputy Administrator, he took charge of the situation and directed the evacuation. For that, he was awarded the CBE. He had served in World War I; and, when World War II came in 1939, although he was 49 years old and carried the permanent scars of his flying service in 1918, he insisted orV'doing some sort of a job.” He went to London in 1941, to an important RAAF post. Hundreds of Pacific Islands friends will send him their good t wishes.

It is a coincidence that the marriage of Judge Phillips in London was announced almost simultaneously with the death in Melbourne of Judge Wanliss, whom Judge Phillips succeeded.

Fiji Issues War Bonds

THE Government of Fiji has issued war bonds in £lOO and £5 denominations, redeemable in 1951-53.

The principal and interest of the bonds will be a charge on the assets and revenues of the Fiji Government. The proceeds of the loan will be utilised for the prosecution of the war and may be re-lent to the British Government, which has undertaken to meet interest charges in respect of any money so lent. If not previously redeemed, the bonds will be repaid at par on September 1, 1953, but the Government of Fiji reserves to itself the right to redeem the bonds, in whole or in part, by drawings or otherwise, at par on, or at any time after September 1, 1951, on giving three calendar months’ notice in the “Fiji Royal Gazette.”

Money has become plentiful in Fiji since the Pacific war commenced, and response to the appeal should be great.

The Rev. J. D. Bodger, well-known Anglican missionary of Dogura, Papua, is at present in Sydney.

News of New Guinea's Missing Men THE following is an extract from a letter received by Mrs. Kilner recently and written by Lieut. C. G.

Kilner, NGVR, from Zentsuji prisoner of war camp, Japan, dated 26th October, 1942.

“ . . . Clarrie Archer and Dr. Watch are here with me, in Zentsuji, and the three of us are well.

“None of my lads, as far as I know, were casualties. A lot of them were prisoners including Both Evans (Jack Evans and T. Evan Evans), Garth Walker, Haslam, Phillpott, Beckett, Goodwyn, L. Saunders, Bird, McEwan.

“And our old friends: Field, Page, Hogan, H. Adams, Coote, Old Man McLean, Townsend, Frank Saunders, and were all well when I saw them last.”

A list of people missing from New Guinea is published on cov. ii. and hi. of this issue.

Territories Casualties

Killed in Action Killed in action, NGXI7S, Lieut. L. B.

Grove, Infantry, Madang, NG.

Prisoner of War Previously reported missing believed prisoner of war, now reported prisoner of war; NGX33, W/011 V. M. I. Gordon, Infantry, Wau, NG.

Previously reported missing, now reported prisoner of war: PX22, Gnr-. D.

M. Spence, Artillery, Port Moresby.

Previously reported missing now reported prisoner of war: PX2I, Gnr. N.

H. Amos, Artillery, Port Moresby.

Previously reported missing believed prisoner of war, now reported prisoner of war: NGXI43, A/Bdr. L. J. Smeeton, Artillery, Rabaul.

Removed from Seriously 111 List Removed from dangerously ill and seriously ill list: PXl'27, Lieut. W. S.

Nicholas, HQ Unit, Port Moresby.

Old Samarai Resident

PASSES ON AFTER practically a lifetime spent in Samarai, Eastern Papua, Mr. Thomas Platt died in Brisbane on September 24, aged 56.

“Tommy” was beloved by all with whom he came in contact. He conducted a shipwright’s business and a dairy at Sariba, just across from Samarai. It is not known whether he was born in Samarai, but it is thought so. As a child he went to school in Cooktown, Queensland; but, apart from that, and four years’ meritorious service as an AIF sergeant in World War I, he was seldom absent from Eastern Papua.

At his funeral the chief mourner was Mrs. Denny Johns, his sister, also of Samarai, and the Papuan Government and Samarai commercial world were represented by Messrs. C. T. Wurth, A.

McAlpine, S. H. Chance, Ted Mears, Bill Bellingham and Percy Wood.

Brigadier G. Dittmer, DSO, MBE, MC, has been appointed Commandant of the Fiji Military Forces in place of Brigadier J. G. C. Wales, MC, who is past the age limit for service overseas. Brigadier Dittmer commanded the Maori Battalion in the 2nd NZ Division overseas.

Flu Gone From

TAHITI But Opium-smokers Are Sad From Our Own Correspondent T„„ . PAPEETE, Sept. 4.

HE influenza epidemic has abated. We can now go about without smearing the mucous membranes of our nostrils with ill-smelling pomades, gargling nauseous mixtures, and swallowing prophylactic medicines.

The schools are open; so are the churches, and the honky-tonks. The Brotherhood of the Bottle are rejoicing over liberal arrivals from Australia of their favourite beverages. The news from the war fronts is excellent.

Everybody has reason to hold some measure of happiness— except the opiumsmoking Chinaman. The opium addict looks into an arid and bleak future. All the sources of his magic carpet to the Land of Dreams are cut off. Reserve supplies, hidden and guarded, are shrinking to the vanishing point. We hear of prodigious sums being offered for small measures of opium.

Our younger generation of Chinese do note smoke opium. They are aware that the drug will be interdicted in the new China of the post-war world.

I believe young Chinamen from all parts of the world will aid in fashioning 7 the new China by contributing the knowledge they have gained during their residence in foreign lands. Future migration is more likely to be to, rather than from, China.

The story of opium smuggling, in prewar days, would be an entertaining narrative. The traffic was not carried on by Chinamen. Every old resident knows the identity of the spider in the centre of the web. But one could not produce any fragment of tangible proof; so the story will have to remain untold.

No Polynesian here has acquired the opium habit. Only Chinamen and some Europeans have fallen victims. Opium stupor is too solemn an intoxication to appeal to the merry Tahitian.

DESPERATE FJENDS of Mrs. B. B. Perriman will be interested in the following advertisement which recently appeared in the “Fiji Times.” The Perrimans were well known in New Guinea before the war; and, about two months ago, Mrs.

Perriman accompanied her husband when he returned to Suva, Fiji.

WANTED, furnished or unfurnished bungalow, flat or two rooms.—B. B. PERRIMAN, c/o W. R. Carpenter & Co. (PijiJ, Ltd.

We all have our troubles!

After a residence of 71 years in the Colony of Fiji, Mrs. Frances Olivia Livingston, widow of the late W. P. G. Livingston, died in Suva, Fiji, on August 18.

She came to the Colony with her parents as a child of six and she and her husband were the first couple married in the present Holy Trinity Pro-Cathedral in in Suva—in 1887, the year in which it . was completed. Most of her life was spent in the Navua district, where Mr.

Livingston had planting interests. She is survived by one son, Mr. Clive Livingston, and three daughters, Mrs. C. S. de C.

Reay, of Suva; Mrs. Kingsmill, of Katoomba, Australia; and Miss Joan Livingston, of Suva.

Wing-Com. F. B, Phillips. 6

October, Ihl-Jacific Islands Monthly

New Life In The

MARQUESAS Fine Race Increasing in Numbers From Our Own Correspondent PAPEETE, Aug. 25.

ONE thing which pleases beyond measure is information from authoritative quarters that the Marquesan natives are not only holding their own, but are increasing in numbers.

For many years we believed the Marquesan race was doomed to extinction; yet the Roman Catholic Fathers never gave up, and, by fine doctoring and good teaching and patient service, they have accomplished the impossible.

The next step will be to keep tourists, scientists and wastrels out of the Marquesas islands, and this fine Polynesian nation may regain some measure of its former numbers.

The French, after a century of experience, have arrived at the only possible policy for the preservation of native peoples—i.e., to close the islands against visit or settlement by Europeans, and to maintain a centre of administration and commerce on one central island alone.

This policy was first applied to the Austral Islands, and the health and happiness of the people of that archipelago bear witness to its wisdom.

The history of European settlement reads like the campaigns of Genghis Khan, First to be blotted out were the Canary Islanders; then the Caribs, of the West Indies, the North American Indians, the Polynesians, of Hawaii. “Westward the Course of Empire” has brought destruction and annihilation to native races.

Will not the awakened conscience of mankind save from the inevitable fate, the pitiful remnants of once happy little peoples?

The Hollywood conception of Polynesia is sickening. The valour and fortitude of the Maori, the Tahitian, the Samoan on the field of battle are giving the lie to all the degenerate balderdash written and acted in that Holy City of Clown Worship.

EDITORIAL NOTE: When Europeans first saw the Marquesas, they were inhabited by perhaps 100,000 light-skinned people—a good-looking, hospitable race, described as the finest type of Polynesian.

By 1920, after a century of European exploitation (which included debauchery by waves of beach-combers, the introduction of venereal diseases, influenza, measles and tuberculosis, and wholesale “blackbirding” to the South American coast), there remained only a miserable, dispirited remnant of about 2,500.

Decorations For Ngvr

MEN rE following decorations were awarded, several weeks ago, to members of the New Guinea Volunteer Rifles (which unit is now disbanded):— Major Jenyns (formerly of Edie Creek).—Mentioned in despatches. He was second in command of the unit.

Military medal awarded to Sergeant R.

Emery (formerly of Lae), and Sergeant J.

McAdam (of Forestry Department).

Lieutenant G. K. Whittaker (formerly a planter), of Lae.—Awarded MBE.

Lady Mitchell, wife of the Governor of Fiji, Sir Philip Mitchell, arrived in Suva, Fiji, on August 31.

M. LAIGRET French Chief in South Pacific NOUMEA, Sept. 4.

M. CHRISTIAN LAIGRET, a vigorous, clean-shaven man in his early forties, arrived here at the end of August, to take up his duties under the title of Director of the Cabinet of the High Commission, in which office he replaces (or is deputy for) Admiral Thierry D’Argenlieu, who was French High Commissioner in the Pacific before becoming Chief of the Fighting French Navy.

M. Laigret was Governor in the Cameroons when that Colony rallied to Fighting France. He became ill a year ago, and spent several months ip Capetown. His brother, the young doctor Louis Laigret, died in the New Hebrides in 1928.

M. Laigret has authority over all French territories in the South Pacific. M. Jan Bourgeau is Acting-Governor of New Caledonia—which post he has filled since the departure, on war service, of M. Henri Montchamp.

SAMPLE A1 American Report on Fijians MANY months ago, when it was suggested that Fijian troops might be used advantageously in South Pacific battle zones, the Americans asked that a “sample force” be sent to Guadalcanal, so that they might see the Fijian reaction to our superior modem warfare.

Apparently, nothing that we, or the enemy, has invented in the lethal line bothers the Fijian. The Americans report the “sample” to be 100 per cent, satisfactory.

In September the “sample force” was expected back in Fiji on leave —there are plenty of other Fijians in the Solomons now to carry on their good work.

Those Yanks !

THIS one comes from Ensign J. R.

Sprague, USN, who bailed out of a bomber, or was shipwrecked, or something, in the wild Solomon Islands, and was rescued by the natives.

He says that he and his companion were given water to wash in and some spotless white clothes to wear, as well as a safety razor with a fresh blade and a mirror, and a breakfast consisting of fried eggs and some sort of French fried potatoes.

“Then,” Sprague says, “I drew a sketch of a shoe with a wooden sole: and they immediately set to work and whittled a pair of shoes for me out of a log, with strips of my life jacket for bindings.”

Well, it might be true at that—it just sounds far-fetched. For long enough we have heard of “tropical paradises” where fruit drops ripe into one’s lap. The only difference here is that it is spuds that drop—French-fried! (Note: Let’s all go to the Solomons apres la guerre!) Lieutenant-Colonel C. N. F. Bengough, one of the outstanding young officers of the Western Pacific Service, was acting as Resident Commissioner in the Solomon Islands, when a plane in which he was travelling was shot down in the Vella Lavella area, in August. The incident was reported in the September “PIM.” Mr. Bengough (who was only 32), and four other officers are believed to have lost their lives.

Judge Wanliss

DEAD 16 Years in New Guinea COLONEL D. S. WANLISS, CMG, VD, BA, LLB, who was Chief Judge ih New Guinea from 1921 until 1937, and who several times acted as Administrator, died in Melbourne, where he was living in retirement, on September 25, at the age of 79.

Judge W?anliss (as he was generally known) was bom in Victoria and educated at Ballarat College and at Trinity College, Cambridge. He was admitted a barrister of Inner Temple, London, in 1888, and he later practised at the Victorian bar, in Ballarat and in Melbourne. In World War I, he went abroad with the AIF, as commander of the Fifth Battalion; he was in the Gallipoli landing; and then he suffered from typhoid, and was evacuated to Australia.

For some time, he was commandant of the Sixth Military District, in Tasmania; and in 1921 he joined the New Guinea service.

During his sixteen years of service, Judge Wanliss became very .well known in the Territory of New Guinea, and his charming social qualities, no less than his erudition, gained him innumerable friends.

Lend-Lease In Reverse In

FIJI FRESH foods, such as bananas, pawpaws, pineapples, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and corn, which are supplied to US forces in the Colony of Fiji, have reversed lend-lease aid from the United States to the tune of three million dollars. The producers are paid by the British Government and the food is handed over free to the American troops.

Captain Frank Williams, who has spent a lifetime in the waters around Fiji, where he is regarded as the Group’s most experienced pilot, has been appointed an Honorary Colonel in the Fijian Labour Corps. During late years he has had much to do with stevedoring. In World War I he went overseas in charge of thf Fijian Labour Corps.

The late Judge Wanliss. 7

Pacific Islands Monthly October. 19 4 J

hthh £ s. d.

Tailevu Province . 1.988 11 4 Lomaiviti Province 707 10 2 Naitasiri Province 160 10 10 Rewa Province 1.514, 17 7 Kadavu Province . 1,023 0 8 Nadroga and Colo West Province . 73 10 0 Cakaudrove Province 248 5 10 Lau Province . 2,010 16 10 Macauta Province 150 10 0 Bua Province 240 16 7 Nadroga Province 134 13 0 Serua Province 24 0 0 Ra Province 74 15 5 Meke Contributions 100 0 0

"Eddie" Ward Is New Minister For

TERRITORIES IF one may judge from newspaper comment and current cartoons, the public of Australia regarded the appointment of Mr. “Eddie” Ward, to be Minister for External Territories, as exceedingly funny. The unfortunate residents of Papua and New Guinea will be excused if they find in the situation little that is humorous.

One of the reasons why Australia has so dismal a record of administration m the Pacific Territories—and a reason why any further tie-up between Australia and the Pacific Islands will be very strongly opposed, when the right time comes—is the time-honoured practice of the Australian Government of tossing the Territories Minister-ship to some inconspicuous politician who has never seen tne Territories.

Except in the case of Papua, Australia usually has appointed, as Pacific Administrators, ex-politicians or ex-military officers in need of a job—almost always men without any practical knowledge of tropical administration. Then, presumably to prevent their making great errors, the Administrators were not permitted to make important decisions — everything had to be referred to Canberra. As the Canberra Minister almost invariably was ignorant, and lacking in confident judgment, matters of policy were always delayed, or shelved, or left in the hands of Departmental officials.

That has been the system for 20 years; and, while Australia retains her present degenerate system of so-called democratic government (which places extraordinary powers in the hands of uneducated tubthumpers) it will continue.

For a couple of years, until the last Australian election, the Australian Minister for Territories was Senator Fraser, an unknown and inconspicuous gentleman from West Australia. It never was apparent that he took much interest in Territories affairs. Although the latter bristled —and still bristle—with difficulties, the Territories folk never saw and seldom heard of Senator Fraser. They, at present, are mostly evacuees in Australia, or soldiers; and, for two years, they have been pushed around by Departmental officials —gentlemen who are usually courteous, and who honestly do their best, but who are bound by training, inclination and self-interest to “the letter of the regulations.”

God help the Territories, and the unfortunate evacuees, if the future is to be left in the hands of the bureaucrats!

WHEN it was seen that the Curtin Administration was to continue in office, Territorians wondered pessimistically what kind of Minister Mr.

Curtin had in store for them. Mr. Curtin has never been inendly or sympathetic towards Territories people, so tney expected little. But they did not expect Mr. Ward.

In the past, the Territories portfolio always was given to some Assistant Minister, after all the important portfolios had been allotted to more conspicuous men. Now, there is a new system.

Mr. Ward was the irresponsible rebel of the 1942-43 administration, and he ended by incurring the wrath of the Curtin-Evatt-Beasley trio, and getting himself turned out of the Cabinet. After the election, Caucus voted him in again; whereupon the embarrassed trio retaliated by dumping him onto Transport and Territories. Then all the newspaper clowns turned handsprings, and Territorians spat grimly out of the side of their mouths.

AT first sight, the appearance of Mr.

Ward in the Territories Department is most disconcerting. Actually, it may turn out to be a good appointment.

The Territorians have been sickened and disheartened by a long line of Ministers who were little more than Rubber stamps. Mr. Ward may be irresponsible and class-conscious to a degree; but he is no rubber stamp. He is the sort of man who will examine a situation personally, and make up his own mind regarding it, independently of bureaucratic promptings.

If he does not allow himself to become dominated by cock-eyed notions about Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, and “exploitation,” and so forth, Mr. Ward may prove to be the Minister for whom the Territories have been waiting for many years—a man who can make up his mind, and give decisions, and envisage Australia’s obligations to the Territories.

Mr. Ward is going to the Territories forthwith, to look around and learn what a coconut looks like, and meet a Fuzzy Wuzzy. Bureaucracy probably will swallow him, hide, hair and horns. But, if it does not, and he comes back with a mind of his own, some life and hope may be introduced into Territories affairs.

Mr. Ward may prove to be the quaintest misfit ever seen in the Territories job.

On the other hand, he may become the best Pacific Territories Minister Australia has seen up to date.

FIJIANS GIVE £8,000 TO WAR FUNDS WHEN, recently, the Fiji War Fund special appeal closed with £17,880, the event was very notable in two respects. The chairman of the Executive Committee of the Fund, Sir Henry Milne Scott, asked the Fijian community for £lO,OOO, and he received £17,880; and the Fijian native people contributed to the Fund over £B,OOO.

There was a special ceremony at the Police Depot, Nasova, Suva, on July 3, when Sir Henry Scott was formally presented by the Fijians with a Tabua, and £B,OOO for the Fund. A photograph of the ceremony is on the front cover.

The loyalty of the Fijian people, and their eagerness to give and to fight for the United Nations, is one of the outstanding incidents of the war in the Pacific. True friendship and mutual liking always have characterised the relationship between British and Fijians, and the strength of that feeling has been proved under war conditions.

The following are the contributions made by the Fijians in the different provinces:— Sudden Death of "Vince"

Smith Melanesia's Best-known Commercial Traveller THE death occurred very suddenly, at Manly, Sydney, on October 8, of Mr. Vincent George Smith, the best-known commercial traveller in the Western Pacific. He sold his goods all over the Pacific, but he most frequently was seen in the Melanesian Territories, where for nearly 30 years he had been a welcome and frequent caller upon traders and storekeepers. He was only 52 years old. He leaves a widow and two daughters.

Mr. Smith (universally called “Vince Smith” and “Smithy”) went first to the Islands as representative of Thomas Brown & Sons, Ltd., the big Queensland firm, about 1914; and, after many successful years, he transferred to William Gardiner & Co., Ltd. (later, Sargood Gardiner Pty., Ltd.). Then he rejoined Thomas Brown & Sons, for a time.

But his best-known and most successful work was done as the free-lance representative of Nestles, Dewars, Paterson Laing & Bruce, and Gillespie Bros., Ltd. He helped to establish the products of those firms very soundly in the Pacific Territories.

When the Pacific war dislocated Pacific trade, Mr. Smith became a partner in Messrs. C. Sullivan & Co. —a happy move, because his experienced but still youthful mind was in harmony with the energy and enterprise of a young Islands trading firm. His untimely death is a severe loss to Mr. Sullivan.

Vince Smith was a lovable, kindly man; and, while he made friends everywhere, he had no enemies. He had a quaint sense of humour, but no malice. He spoke ill of no one; and he was ready, at all times, to extend his personal help and encouragement to any fellow-mortal.

After the war, the BP ships will not be the same, without the friendly, welcoming grin and busy little figure of Vince Smith.

The Watcher

SILENT upon a peak, with watchful mien, He gazes o’er the wide Pacific Seas.

Is he a bulwark of our State on watch There to descry Armadas of the foe?

Or warn that in the blue a bolt is bent To blast our homes? . . . But, no, his eagle eye Seeks thirstily the little ship That brings to us the longed-for monthly beer!

R. (Fiji).

Mr. V. G. Smith in 1938. 8 OCTOBER, 1943 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

Fiji Storekeeper Profiteers With PlI Yearbook TWO copies of the “Pacific Islands Yearbook, 1942,’’ were sold recently by an Indian storekeeper in Sigatoka, Fiji, for 25/- per copy.

This , is criminal profiteering. The retail price of the “Yearbook” is 12/6 (Australian) per copy.

The price is printed on the front cover of the book. The storekeeper had rubbed it off. But he overlooked the titlepage, where the price also is printed.

The indignant purchaser wrote to us about it. There is little we can do, except refuse to supply future editions to that Indian firm. The purchaser should have demanded his money back; or, alternatively, have given the Indian gentleman a kick in the teeth. It sounds primitive: but that is the only way to deal with the accursed tribe of profiteers.

Anneals to Governments are generally useless.

New Weapon To Combat

FLU PHYSICIANS of US Navy hold in their hands a new weapon with which they hope they can combat and defeat any future outbreaks of influenza (which killed 21,000.000 people throughout the world after World War I).

The 12th Naval District headquarters has reported that animal experiments of its laboratory research on influenza “are sufficiently promising to warrant expectation that application to human infection will be successful.”

The new agent is an anti-serum inhaled directly into the lungs, in the form of a very fine mist. While it remains in the lung tissue it neutralises any influenza virus breathed in by the patient, said Commander Albert Paul Krueger, director of the naval laboratory research unit which perfected the process.

Lieut. G. Stevenson Killed in Action MANY will regret to learn of the death in action on June 26, 1943, in New Guinea, of Lieutenant George Stevenson, AIF, formerly a Patrol Officer with District Services in New Guinea.

He was recently married to Joan, only daughter of Lieutenant Roy Smith, RAN, and Mrs. Smith, former residents of Rabaul. The work on which Lieutenant Stevenson was engaged has received high praise from both General MacArthur and General Sir Thomas Blarney, and from all who were with him at the time.

Fighting France

How Empire is Being Restored SLOWLY, step by step, but most impressively, the Empire of France is being restored.

The revival commenced in November. 1942. when the Anglo-American forces landed in North Africa. Within a few weeks, all the French Colonies and Territories of Africa, which hitherto had been under the Axis heel, had rallied to Generals de Gaulle and Giraud. A French Government, now the French Committee of National Liberation, was established in Algiers. Since then, many things have happened:— The great fleet of Prance broke away from the Germans. Many warships joined the United Nations. Those which could not escape were scuttled.

The Governor of Martinique, the one important French colony which still clung to Vichy, was overthrown, and Martinique joined the Empire of Fighting France.

Fighting French forces from North Africa landed in Corsica in September and co-operated with the Corsicans in driving; out the Germans. Corsica is the first section of Metropolitan France to be freed of the enemy.

It is the deliberate policy of Britain and the United States to restore the French Empire; and the work of restoration is being left, as far as possible, to the people of Fighting France themselves. Thus, under the direction of the French, the people of Syria (freed from Vichy rule by the British in 1941-42) have freely elected a Chamber of Deputies, which in turn has elected a President of Syria.

Thus the French Pacific Territories of New Caledonia and French Oceania, adrift in an apparently hopeless sea in 1940-42, now are linked again with a nation that is increasing rapidly in strength and spirit. Already, the contribution of Fighting France to the United Nations’ effort against the Axis is powerful and important.

Fiji'S New Colonial

SECRETARY THE new Colonial Secretary of Fiji, who is to succeed Mr. Newboult, is Mr. John Fearns Nicoll, who at present is the Deputy Colonial Secretary of Trinidad. He is expected to arrive in Fiji in December.

Mr. Nicoll was bom in 1899, educated at Oxford, saw service in World War I. and went to North Borneo as a Colonial Office cadet in 1920. He became Assistant District Officer in 1922; was transferred to Tanganyika in 1925, and served in the Secretariat there on a number of occasions between 1930 and 1936. He was in the Colonial Office for a time, and went in 1937 to Trinidad, where he filled a succession of important posts, including that of Acting Colonial Secretary.

A puzzle to their American rescuers on New Georgia Island, BSI, eight Chinese were surprisingly healthy and well fed, By contrast, many of the Japanese fighting there were frail and emaciated. One of the Chinese saluted the Commander of an American Division and proudly announced; “Speak English.” Most of them, it appeared, came from Hongkong, and had been doing forced labour for the Japanese since a month after the fall of that city. They included three boys, about twelve years old. Asked why they were so well fed, their spokesman explained, “Me cook for Japs; me feedum all.”

Papua and N. Guinea Fraternise in Sydney WHEN the New Guinea Women’s Club of Sydney, and the Pacific Territories Association combined for a social evening at the Feminist Club Rooms, Sydney, on September 17, over 170 Territorians attended the function— a creditable performance from people who have been scattered to the four winds of heaven since World War II began.

Territorians are auto-entertaining Given large slices of time and a crowd of people whom they know, they can keep A SPECIAL general meeting of the New Guinea Women’s Club will be held in the Feminist Club Rooms, 77 King Stret, Sydney, at 3.30 p.m. on Saturday, October 30.

Business: To discuss the affiliation of the Club with the Pacific Territories Association in matters of policy concerning Territories’ residents during the present or postwar period. All members are urged to attend.

Members are reminded also that in future the Club will meet on the second Friday evening in each month. Social and u wofk night” will alternate. The next such date is November 12; it will be a social function and members and their friends are asked to bring any cards or games that they might wish to play. themselves amused indefinitely—a legacy from a land where leisured conversation has not yet become a lost art.

The lift in the building was, as usual, temperamental; but after one load of people was rescued from between heaven and earth qnd many more had staggered up the seven flights of stairs, everyone settled down to a steady snot of “talkinaplace”—and whatever is the Papuan equivalent. A musical programme was in the capable care of Mrs. A. F. Kyle who, herself, sang charmingly. She was assisted by Miss Hilda Sutton (violinist), Miss Dorothy Mason (pianist) and Mr.

Raymond Frith (tenor). All too little was heard of these young artists.

Mrs. H. H. Page, president of the Women’s Club, and Mr. E. A. James, president of the PTA, received the guests and during the evening, the sale of flowprs, sweets and proceeds from competitions added substantially to the funds of the Women’s Club.

With advantage there could be more of these combined functions which would bring together the residents of Parma and New Guinea (now lumped together pro tern as Australian New Guinea).

Every resident of these Territories should do his or her utmost to foster a spirit of co-operation in their ranks. The Territorian has been a rugged individualist in the past; and will be again. But, in the interval, it is essential that all should unite in a common frfont.. and anything; that encourages that spirit of unity is to be commended.

Flight-Lieutenant M. O’Connor, RAAF, formerly of Suva, Fiji, has been awarded the DFC for a “high record of success in operations in the Middle East.” He was born in New South Wales and joined the Sydney staff of Burns Philp in 1926. In 1930 he was transferred to the Suva branch and, prior to enlisting in 1940, was the branch’s senior accountant.

Lieutenant and Mrs. Stevenson on their Wedding Day. 9 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY— OCTOBER, 1943

The Fiji Indian—A Pain In

THE NECK!

Dislocation of Fiji Sugar Industry Only One Angle of an Embarrassing Problem

By R. W. Robson

rE Fiji sugar industry has been most seriously dislocated this year—first, by a strike of sugar-mills employees (mostly Indians) and, secondly, by the refusal of the Indian cane-growers to cut their cane for the mills, unless the price of sugar-cane is substantially increased.

The sugar industry, which is in the hands of the Colonial Sugar Refining Co.. Ltd., is Fiji’s major industry. The Colony exports each year between 100,000 and 150,000 tons of sugar—mostly to New Zealand and Canada, in normal times— worth between £1,000,000 and £2,000,000.

But a fatal weakness has developed in this great Fiji industry because the CSR Co. is wholly dependant, for supplies, on the Indian cane-growers. mHE Indians were brought to the Col- X ony, originally, to grow sugar for the Co., as indentured labourers. In time, assisted by the Co., they settled in the Colony, as peasants, growing sugarcane under contract for the CSR. The 1936 census showed 85.000 Indians in the Colony, of whom 60,000 had been bom in Fiji.

It seemed quite a sound idea, in the beginning. The sugar industry calls for a great reservoir of labour, so that the cane may be grown, and may be cut, and so that there may be ample labour for the mills. There is no supply of indigenous labour in Fiji—the native Fijian is a landowner, and his rich lands supply all his needs.

The Indians, who were being brought in originally as labourers, and repatriated on the expiration of their indentures, were most eager to stay in- Fiji. So the Co. worked out a system under which the Indians were permitted to lease sugar-lands, either from the Co. or from the Crown, under conditions which prevented the alienation of native lands.

But the factor which no one, apparently, took sufficiently into account, is the character of the Indian. He is a born trouble-maker. rE Fiji Indians, to a considerable extent, have retained their racial standards of living and their own institutions. While there has been a cordial and growing friendship between the Fijian natives and the British, the relations between the Fiji Indians and the British always have been difficult.

The Indians seem to have a kind of racial inferiority complex. They have caused a long succession of British Governors endless embarrassment by their demands for racial equality with the British in matters relating to Fijian administration, by their agitation for a “common roll,” by their super sensitiveness and readiness to howl in relation to all matters in which they think there is a suspicion of racial discrimination.

The British, trying to hold the balance fairly and justly between the different races in Fiji, and especially in their anxiety to protect the Fijian people in accordance with the terms of the 1874 Deed of Cession, have found the Indians, in a political sense, an insoluble problem, a nuisance, and an irritation.

ACTUALLY, the masses of Indians, themselves, are harmless enough.

They realise that in the pleasant country of Fiji they are immensely better off than they could have been in over-crowded India, and they appear to be generally content with their present lot, so long as they are left alone.

But there are, in Fiji, a very large number of Indians who have gained sufficient education to qualify as political agitators—and the semi-educated Indian goes for political agitation as a duck goes to water. Consequently, the rank and file of Fiji Indians are divided up among all sorts of societies, clubs, unions and what not, each of which supports a busy little agitator or two, and the main purpose of which appears to be to demand something or other from the British administration.

The position has been made worse by the fact that in Fiji, from time toHime, there have been high administrative officials so anxious to do the right thing by the “unhappy, downtrodden Indian” that they have done the wrong thing.

They have tried to reason, placate and compromise; whereas the only way in which these people may be dealt with, in a country like Fiji, is for the administrator to decide what is fair and right, in the circumstances, and to permit no further argument. The ingenious, tortuous, whining arguments of the Babu Indian, if permitted, will drive wellbalanced officials to madness.

IN the case of Fiji, the Indians have a special hate in the CSR Co. The CSR Co. is a very powerful concern, managed with great efficiency in the interests of its shareholders, and holding an extraordinary record of profit-making.

It is not so all-powerful in Fiji as is the “Big Five” in Hawaii; but there is a parallel.

Fiji owes the CSR much, because the CSR has made of Fiji the most prosperous British Crown Colony; but there is no need for Fiji officially to rally to the defence of the CSR —that Co. is extremely well able to take care of itself. The CSR, as part of its profitmaking motif, will drive a hard bargain with anyone—Government, or shipping line, or Indian cane-grower.

EVERY pinheaded traveller who stepped off in Fiji, for two decades, drew attention to the contrast between the very rich CSR and the very poor Indian cane-grower; and some harsh criticisms were published—especially by the less responsible type of American journalist.

The fact is, of course, that Fiji sugar has t£ be sold in a highly competitive market: and the price of Fiji cane or mill-labour is fixed, not by an avaricious board in Sydney or a stony-hearted manager in Suva, but by the rates which mill-labourers and cane-growers are prepared to accept in East Africa, or the Wtest Indies, or somewhere.

No one loves the CSR shareholders and directors: but it must be conceded, in all fairness, that they make their luscious profits, not out of grinding the faces of the Fiji Indians, but out of superlatively good management and properly-controlled, large-scale operations. Maybe they could have made some concessions, in the past, to the Fiji Indians. But they could have been only very small concessions—and some margin had to be maintained, for the world sugar-market is a very tricky and uncertain thing.

BUT, of course, the Fiji Indians have never entertained the slightest doubt about the Fiji set-up. As they—or, rather, their ceaselessly active leaders—see it, the GSR is callously exploiting the Fiji Indians, and is being aided and abetted, and protected, by the Fiji Government.

I have personally examined this situation, in Fiji, half a dozen times. I instinctively dislike big companies with long records of big profits and a clear hankering after monopolies; and I hate bureaucracies. If I had believed that the GSR and the Fiji Government were aiding and abetting each other, at the expense of the Fiji Indian peasant, I should have shouted my belief aloud, come hell or high water.

But I could not find any such set-up.

I believe that the GSR Co. has done a remarkable developmental job in Fiji, and now is doing the very best it can for all classes concerned; and, having seen a great deal of Governments based on adult suffrage, I am prepared to say that the non-Parliamentary Government of Fiji, so long as it is directed by men of the calibre of Fletcher, and Richards, and Luke and Mitchell, and their verv able lieutenants, is as fair and just and incorruptible an administration as anything in the world.

But the Fiji Indians cannot be expected to believe that. They have been told, so long and so often, by their political agitators, that they are the miserable. helpless slaves of the GSR and the British community in Fijij, that it is sheer waste of time to offer them any other assurances, or present another point of view. The history of recent events in Fiji bears out this contention, to the letter, rE price of sugar-cane is arranged in periodical contracts, between the GSR Co. and the cane-growers.

Then the Co. proceeds to make contracts, far ahead, for the sale of its sugar. The last contract was made in 1940, and was for ten years. It provided that, if the Co. got an increased price for sugar, the growers should get an increased price for cane. The growers got about onethird more for cane, in 1940.

In March, 1943, the Kisan Sangh (an organisation of cane-growers) demanded higher rates, owing to greatly increased costs. The Co. refused the request, pointing out that all sugar now was bought by the British Department of Food, at a fixed price, and that the higher costs were the result of war conditions, and were felt as much by the Co. as by the growers, Kisan Sangh, in April, appealed to the Fiji Government (which, in any event, had to take control of the situation, because in November, 1940, the Fiji sugar industry had been declared an “essential service”). Would the Governor point out to the British Ministry of Food the need for paying more for sugar, so that canegrowers could get more?

The Governor agreed. The growers’ representations were telegraphed by him to London in June.

A few days later another growers’ organisation, the Maha Sangh, came to light. It bluntly informed the Government that, unless rates for cane were raised, the growers would not cut their cane.

Maha Sangh did not seem very fond of Kisan Sangh.

IN the meantime, a labour dispute arose in the sugar mills at Ba and Lautoka, and elsewhere. Operatives, (Continued on Page 34) 10 OCTOBER, 1943 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

Pacific Races’

FUTURE Future Relations of Natives and Europeans Letter to the Editor STILL another contribution to the study of the post-war Pacific territories is “The Atlantic Charter and Pacific Races.” written by the Rev. J. W.

Burton, of the Methodist Mission, and published in booklet form by the National Missionary Council of Australia.

Reduced to one sentence, Mr. Burton’s main plea is this: That after the war, the “exploitation” of the Pacific races by means of indentured labour for the “profit” of commercial enterprises must cease and the welfare of the native inhabitants of the territories must come first.

It is a comprehensive study of one side of a very big question and contains much that should be read by every person interested in the Pacific races. Unfortunately. however, Mr. Burton cannot think of commercial enterprise in the Pacific without conjuring up ideas which can be expressed only by words such as— “exnloitatlon,” “rapacity,” “demoniacal,”

“ruthless,” “avaricious,” “oppression, cruelty and outrage,” “serfdom,” “devil’s doctrine.”

The article abounds with these and similar words; and their continued repetition shows a bias in the mind of the author which is unfortunate.

MR. Burton says of Government servants in the Pacific territories; “On the whole, they are not less equipped than, nor inferior to, the average missionary ...” But of commercial men. apparently, he can think of nothing good to say. and seems to infer they belong to an inferior type of the white race, in no way comparable to missionaries, or even Government servants.

It is suggested Mr. Burton must first make one important decision before he attempts to solve the problem of the Pacific races. Is he to attempt to make the Pacific territpries a gigantic “native reserve”; or will he endeavour to help the territories to struggle and survive in the present complicated and somewhat strangelv developed civilisation?

Possibly, there is much that may be said in favour of the former plan. But, if so. is there still room in such a reserve for the missionary? Would it be in the best interests of the inhabitants to upset their mode of life, in such circumstances, with the diversified claims of the different denominations of the Christian religion?

As to the alternative, is Mr. Burton right in assuming that it is impossible adeauately to protect the native races under the combined influences of European administrations, commercial enterprise and missions? Does he really believe it can be achieved by administrative officers and missionaries alone?

Surely there can be no half measures.

Either the native races must be segregated entirely in reserves and protected against the buffeting of civilisation: or they must be brought to a standard which will enable them to resist the blows and hold their own in the struggle.

This is no attempt to argue these two points of view, but only to stress the necessity of giving them consideration and making a decision before attempting a “new order” for native races.

NOW, to correct a few inaccuracies and unjust inferences in Mr. Burton’s article. It is not true of all European administrations in the Pacific during recent years that the result of commercial enterprise and the employment of native labour has been depopulation In some places, at least, the native population has increased. (The population in every South Pacific Territory, where reliable figures are available, has increased during the past 20 years.—Ed. “PIM”.) It is not true, as a general statement that working as labourers on agricultural projects of white owners has unfitted natives to become peasant agriculturists The suggestion that missionaries have to battle with European settlers in attempting “to protect natives against liquor, gambling and other foreign vices” is untrue, as regards Australia’s Pacific Territories, at least. There, the Administrations. and all commercial interests have fully realised the necessity for, and attempted vigorously to enforce, the prohibition of these evils.

Furthermore, it must be remembered that various mission bodies include commercial activities in their undertakings employing natives under indentures’

“exploiting” their labour for profit, and competing with private enterprise in various commercial activities; thus assisting in enlarging the evil of commercialism amongst native races (as Mr.

Burton would have it).

MR. BURTON should be fair—or, at least, as fair as the commercial settlers of the Territories. They admit the good that missionaries can do for native races. They believe the missionaries can assist them by education, improved health and hygiene, and the teaching of a moral code similar to ours —not necessarily because it is the best, but because it is necessary if the natives are to take their place alongside the white people in this world.

Most of the commercial settlers believe that missionaries will best serve the natives by refraining from teaching them conflicting doctrines, and that any one particular sect is right, and all others wrong; and by refraining from mixing Christianity and business, which is likely to confuse the native mind and bring both missions and commerce under suspicion.

I am, etc., P.D.

Sydney, Sept. 30, 1943.

Editorial Note

The foregoing is typical of endless discussion about the future of the Pacific, with which editors generally are being bombarded just now. From the “PIM” viewpoint, the outstanding facts of the situation are:— (1) All native communities in the Pacific, from the East Indies right across to Tahiti, have been so deeply disturbed by war developments that they never will return to 1939 conditions. (2) Intense penetration of all these Territories by European armies, and by military builders of roads, posts and airfields for purposes of war, will inevitably be followed by a vast immigration of European civilians, seeking settlement and development. (3) The influence of the United States will be paramount in practically all Territories for a considerable time, until there has been satisfactory stabilisation of local conditions; and American policy surely will provide for the clear definition, and protection, of the fundamental rights of the native people of each Territory.

There is, ahead, a tremendous job of work for Administrations and mission bodies. If they are wise, they will cease arguing and try to evolve policies and plans which can be fitted in between the three foregoing inescapeable facts.

"What Does P Stand For?"

HE’D had three years in New Guineaand the city had changed.

All his old haunts had the “House Full” sign out, and he was on the point of making a reconnaissance of the park for a night’s lodging, when he accidentally joined forces with three other uniformed bed-seekers. Their united searchings brought them to a Servicemen’s lodging conducted by the good ladies of the town.

He lined up and awaited his turn “Regimental number?” asked the iady.

“PX567,” said New Guinea.

“VX567?” queried the lady.

“No, P—P for Peter!”

“Ah, yes, P.”

He retreated and waited for his mates to book-in.

Nearby, a lounger, overhearing his troubles in booking, accosted the lady— “ Say, what’s P for?” he said.

“I don’t know,” he was told.

The lounger shifted his chewing gum sideways and opined:— “Not a soldier, I guess. Must be something to do with the CCC!”

Dispirited and fed-up, “PX” followed the file into the dormitory, wondering why he’d ever come on leave, and wishing to goodness he was back at battlestation—a place the lounger would never see, where “PX’s” worked and fought with everyone else, and had no association with “anchor and banjo” concerns.

Samoa Resident Decorated

A splendid new motor road has just been opened for civilian motor traffic in Samoa. It connects Leulumoega, on the north coast of Upolu, with Lefaga, on the south coast—a distance of ten miles. It has been called the Leulumoega Cross- Island Hoad.

Flight-Lieutenant George Brunton Meidecke, of the RAAF, serving in Europe, and formerly of Western Samoa, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The citation said; “He has shown courage, coolness and tenacity, and his flying skill is of the highest order. At all times he has completed the arduous and dangerous work demanded of him with complete disregard of the personal risks involved. His efficiency and devotion to duty are unsurpassed.” 11 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY OCTOBER, 1943

Fijians Led by New Zealanders Good Work by South Pacific Scouts (From Our Correspondent at a South Pacific Base) IN Fiji, the New Zealanders augmented their forces, available for the defence of Fiji, by drawing from the Fiji Defence Battalion. This battalion was composed of sturdy islanders, accustomed to the rigors of jungle life. The New Zealanders began the task of whipping the untrained, but willing, Fijians into a well-disciplined army unit.

Then somebody conceived the plan of training the New Zealanders in jungle tactics, using the Fijians as instructors.

This Pygmalion set-up worked admirably.

By the time the course was over, the New Zealanders were adept in jungle lore. One of the graduates of this Commando course was Major C. W. H. Tripp, of Canterbury, NZ. Another was Capt.

David E. Williams, of Hawkes Bay.

In January. 1943, after US Army and Marine units had takfen Guadalcanal, a small detachment of these South Pacific Scouts, consisting of NZ officers and noncoms., with Fijians, were sent to the Solomons to aid in the final push.

The patrol reached Guadalcanal in time to participate in the final clean-up of the Japs. Capt. Williams headed this party and American naval boats landed them far behind the Jap lines, in the Visale area. Coming upon the surprised Japanese from the rear, the small patrol played hell with the enemy defences, destroying guns, infiltrating into Jap positions at night, and paving the way bv demoralisation for the American drive along the coast.

To Captain Williams and his South Pacific Scouts was assigned the honour of leading the first contingent of Allied troops to invade the Japanese-occupied Russell Islands. They met with almost no opposition.

The Scouts landed with the first troops to hit the' Japanese garrisons in New Georgia, and they have since been used with combat forces moving into strange areas, and for learning the location and plans of the enemy.

“T>ERHAPS the luckiest day of my X life,” remarked Major Tripp, after an affair in New Georgia, “occurred about a fortnight ago. I was leading a patrol into Jap territory at night—at best a risky business—when a Jap jumped me from a foxhole. He held me around the waist, while another shot at me. One of the bullets ripped down through the pocket of my jungle suit, and through a notebook which I carry, without scratching me.”

“Then,” the major continued, “about half an hour later two rifles and a machine-gun opened up at me from less than 10 feet away as I was walking down the trail. They missed me coihpletely.

Earlier that day I had had a hand grenade go off not 10 feet from me, which miraculously did no damage.”

What the major neglected to tell was that the Jap that had jumped him from the foxhole and the Jap who put the bullet through his notebook were both dead—by the major’s hand—and that after being fired upon by the two rifles and machine-gun he had flopped down on the ground in front of that withering fire and expended all the ammunition his carbine carried at the three Japs; and after the ammunition was gone he had thrown the carbine and a few choice New Zealand expletives in the direction of the enemy ambush.

ON one occasion the Scouts were assigned to lead a regiment into a bivouac area, close to the front lines. A group of them —including Major Tripp—had all but completed the task when the Japs concentrated 90-millimeter mortar fire on the column of troops.

Tripp and his Scouts, who were out in front clearing the way, were cut off completely from the main body, and had to get out of the trap in groups of two and three. The major made it alone. Three of the Scouts did not come out of that ambush, but there were at least 30 Japs who did not get out, either.

Since getting into actual operations, the Scouts have had few losses.

The Fijians possess the happy—or unhappy—faculty of being able to smell out the Japs. Happy, because it enables them to watch while sleeping; unhappy, because the Jap smell is definitely dissimilar to Chanel Number Five. The New Zealanders are also able to recognise the Jap odour, and they tell me that several Americans can do it also. Major Tripp says that when the Japs ambushed him from the foxhole, he was able to smell the Jap odour on his jungle suit, where the Nip had grapped him, for a week afterward.

Death Of Tahiti Soldier

From Our Own Correspondent v TAHITI, September 15.

THE passing of Sergeant Charles Spitz, at Damascus, on June 21, is a personal sorrow to everyone in Tahiti.

Taro (his Tahitian name) was a favourite with each of us: he was endowed with those qualities which inspire affection and esteem, and he was the son of a well-known resident of Papeete, Monsieur Georges Spitz.

The Governor of French Oceania published a tribute to the memory of our dead citizen.

Sergeant Spitz was in the first French Pacific contingent that left for the Middle East on April 21, 1941. He was one of the defenders of Bir-Hakeim, and there received a bullet in the spine that was eventually to cause his death.

He was captured by the Italians, and held for 10 months before being repatriated to Damascus.

In his last letter to his father he wrote: “If the world knew what we went through, no one would ever declare another war,”

New Radio Station In

NOUMEA From Our Own Correspondent NOUMEA, Sept. 20.

RADIO Noumea, the new all-services radio station, operated by the American Red Cross, on 960 kilocycles, was officially opened on September 5.

Noumea’s French station has been broadcasting programmes for the American forces every evening; but there were technical difficulties. Finally, by amicable agreement between the French Government and the American Army, a new transmitter was installed by the Red Cross; and the Fighting French and American Red Cross transmitters will now function in unison, making programmes available both to the French and the Allied forces.

Radio Noumea will be on the air daily from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (local time) and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Portion of the programmes only will be broadcast over the frequency already assigned to the French on 49 metres on the medium wavelength band, in addition to the full broadcast over the 960 kilocycles frequency.

Do You Know?

Letter to the Editor COULD you, or any of your readers, help me to obtain the words and music of an Islands song? The song is the “Samoan Farewell —Good-bye.

Mv Friend.” I think the native name is “Tofa Ma Falangi.” I should be grateful for any information.

I am, etc., WILFRED O. GORS. 36 Royalist Road, Cremorne, Sydney.

Wartime Addresses of Thursday Island Residents CADZOW, W., c/o Messrs. Burns, Philp & Co., Cairns, Queensland.

DAVIES. Rt. Rev. Bishop (of Carpentaria), Bishop’s Registry, Townsville, Queensland.

DE ATH, Mrs., 125 Windermere Road, Ascot, Brisbane, Queensland.

DUNWOODIE, J. 1., c/o Messrs. Burns, Philp & Co., Cairns, Queensland.

FARQUAKAR, Donald, Anvil Court, Hamilton Road, Brisbane, Queensland. (N.B.—Mr. Farquahar is Secretary of Thursday Island Association.) FELL, Mrs., 60 Upper Cairns Terrace, Red Hill, Brisbane, Queensland.

FERGUSSON, James, 18 Minnie Street, Cairns, Queensland.

GAFFNEY, Stanley, c/o Messrs. Burns, Philp & Co., Cairns, Queensland.

HARMON, D. Coulter, 342 Sheridan Street, Cairns, Queensland.

HERRING, Mrs., 29 Jephson Street, Toowong, Brisbane, Queensland.

HOCKINGS, Frank, 319 Annerley Road, Brisbane, Queensland.

HOCKINGS, Mrs. Norman, 34 Jane Street, West End, Brisbane, Queensland.

KELEHER, Timothy, Atherton, Queensland.

LAI FOO, George, 26 Nudgee Road, Hamilton, Brisbane.

McNULTY, Misses, 67 Upper Cairns Terrace, Red Hill, Brisbane.

MENDIS, P. H., Adelaide Street, Brisbane.

IVWLLS, Miss, 34 Maryvale Street, Toowong, Brisbane.

MILLS, J., c/o Messrs. Burns, Philp & Co., Cairns.

POLINOVSKY, 8., 29 Jephson Street, Toowong, Brisbane.

SIMPSON, Harry, c/o Mrs. Collins, 121 Riding Road, Hawthorne, Brisbane.

SULLIVAN. Arthur, Clynder, Ryan’s Road, S.

Lucia, Brisbane.

THORPE, E. K., 18 Minnie Street, Cairns.

TURNER, Mrs., 67 Upper Cairns Terrace, Red Hill, Brisbane.

VOWELS, E. H., 731 Sandgate Road, Clayfleld, Brisbane.

Sergeant Charles Spitz. 12 OCTOBER, 1943 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

Pacific Islands Society

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Angau—And The Future

Territorians Must Expect a Long Period of Semi-military Government BECAUSE a certain amount of civilian organisation entered Papua when a couple of score of rubber and copra planters were permitted to resume operations last month, some revision of the administrative machinery became necessary. Since February, 1942, with the evacuation of all civilians, the administration of “Australian New Guinea” (Papua and the Mandated Territory) has been entirely military.

Therefore, on July 14, regulations were issued in Canberra to authorise the General Officer Commanding, New Guinea Forces, to exercise all the powers and functions normally carried by civil administrators in Papua and New Guinea.

Most people were under the impression that the GOC had held all these powers since he removed the civil administration early in February, 1942. Otherwise, it is difficult to understand how a lot of things were done. However, it matters little, Canberra’s passion for issuing regulations is one of the outstanding phenomena of the war; and if Canberra thinks another dose of regulations is necessary to the welfare of the Territories, let there be regulations.

THE Australian New Guinea set-up is now familiar to most Territorians.

ANGAU (the Australian New Guinea Administrative Unit) is a section of the forces in New Guinea commanded by General MacArthur and, under him, by General Blarney. At the head of ANGAU is Major-General Morris, who was the original GOC in this area. Next to him is Brigadier Leland.

The ANGAU personnel now includes most of the younger administrative officials of Papua and New Guinea; and, while it is closely allied with the combatant organisation, its duties are purely administrative, in relation to the areas occupied by combatant units. Care of the natives is among its special duties.

It supplies the Army with all native labour required. It functions alongside of, but is not necessarily part of the combatant machinery.

A special branch of ANGAU has been created to control the plantations recently re-staffed and re-operated; and this is called the Production Control Board, the chairman of which is Brigadier Leland, second in command of ANGAU. (It was fully described in “PIM” of June and July.) IT is unlikely that the Pacific war will end soon. It seems certain that the military administration will continue in New Guinea for the duration of the Pacific war, even if the Japs are pushed back far enough to permit civilians, generally, to re-enter the Territories. Therefore, Territorians would be wise to make themselves familiar with the foregoing organisation and delegation of authority: that will be their “Government” for a time —at least until the Japanese are defeated.

Probably, it will be found, as the war moves away northwards, beyond New Guinea, that administrative conditions which now are mostly military in character, will be relaxed, and that the old laws, administered by ANGAU, will come generally into operation.

As ANGAU has the authority of the superseded civil governments, and as ANGAU comprises mostly the younger administrative officials of the two Territories, the returning civil populations will not find much to object to. They merely will have exchanged one form of autocratic bureaucracy for another.

IT is possible that the military set-up under General Morris (ANGAU) will work better, anyway, because it will be able to exercise wider authority on the spot, and be less subject to Canberra interference. The factor which crippled the New Guinea Administration, and which (after the Lieutenant-Governorship was reduced to an Administrator-ship) was threatening to cripple Papua, was Canberra control.

In theory, these Territories were governed by the Australian Cabinet, through a wise and sympathetic “Minister for External Territories,” exercising his authority through a Canberra Department and Administrators at Port Moresby and Rabaul.

In practice, “the Territories job” invariably was given to an inconspicuous Assistant Minister, who knew nothing whatever and cared less about tropical administration. Some of them made a hurried tour of what they sometimes called “our Pacific islands,” and where they usually were “baffled by science.”

All of them, after a feeble effort or two, left the really important decisions to the Department officials. The latter, lacking guidance and authority, guarded themselves at every point, and did nothing 13 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY OCTOBER, 1943

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CUBCYS MY till Distilleries at London . . . England Toronto . . . Canada Moorabbin . . Victoria Cincinnati . . . U.S.A. which could not be justified by “regulations.”

Administrative officials appealed desperately to Canberra for authority to proceed with this, that and the other.

Canberra officials passed the requests on to the Minister. The latter, wholly at sea, either tried to get a Cabinet decision or passed the buck back to the Department.

Such a system, of course, produced only a cynical self-protection on the part of the Canberra officials, and disappointment, despair and inertia in Port Moresby and Rabaul. This became worse when, as in the case of Rabaul, the chief administrative position usually was held by an inexperienced political appointee, who had neither the courage nor the knowledge to defy Canberra, and proceed on his own authority.

LITTLE, of course, is known about General Morris and Brigadier Leland as tropical territories administrators.

Therefore, it is possible to hope that, out of ANGAU, there may come something in the way of administration which may be better than what we have known.

They have the authority: have they the knowledge and the vision?

The greatest danger of the present set-up is that the Territories may be saddled with a number of highly-paid but (in relation to tropical administration) incompetent and useless officials, who will hang on to their jobs like leeches when the time comes to change back to normal civilian administration, and introduce new life to the Territories

Fiji Health Services

AS a result of the visit to Fiji of the New Zealand Director-General of Health, Dr. M. H. Watt, and Miss M. I. Lambie, Director of Nursing, to report on medical and nursing services there, the Director of Medical Services for the Colony, Dr. V. W. T. McGusty, has left for London to discuss the report with the Colonial Office.

Death Of Captain Trask

ANOTHER old seafarer has passed on.

Captain Trask, well known to many voyagers in the Central Pacific as the captain of the Matson liner “Mariposa,” died in the United States in April.

News of his death has just reached us through Mr. Oscar Nordman, of Tahiti, who once sailed under him on the run between San Francisco and Australia.

Captain Trask began his career in sailing ships, and transferred to the old “Australia” and “Zealandia.” In 1907, when on a voyage between Tahiti and San Francisco, in command of the old “Mariposa,” they ran short of fuel oil, while 80 miles off the Californian coast.

After he had burnt everything that might keep up steam, Captain Trask decided to send a boat off to report their plight.

Mr. Nordman was one of the seven men chosen to row to the coast, which they reached in the Bay of Monterey. A message that the “Mariposa” had then been drifting for five days was flashed to San Francisco and a tug went off and picked her up.

Captain Trask was the commander of the “Sonoma,” an Oceanic liner, on the inaugural voyage of the US mail service between San Francisco and Australia, in 1912. Later, he was captain of the “Sierra,” and when the new “Mariposa” was built he was given that command.

Troops Like Wau Coffee

IT is an ill wind that blows nowhere!

Coffee stalls, run by the YMCA, the Salvation Army, and other welfare organisations set up business as close to the front lines in New Guinea as possible, and are deservedly popular with the troops.

Coffee supplies sometimes run short, it is reported; and at Wau this led to the use of locally-grown coffee—which was gathered, roasted and ground on the spot.

The men swore that it was the best coffee they had ever tasted.

Wilde and other Wau coffee-growers may take a bow!

Solomons Appointments

THE following appointments have been made to the Defence Force and other Military Units of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate:— BENT, V. D. } Lieutenant, from June 2, 1943.

BERGIN, E. 0., Lieutenant, from July 2, 1943.

HUMPHREYS, R. S., Lieutenant, from June 2, 1943.

VANCE, R. C., Second-Lieutenant, from June 24, 1943.

RODGER, G. M., Captain, from June 28, 1943.

CRICHLOW, Captain N., promoted to Temporary Major, from August 1, 1943.

DAVIS, L. M., Lieutenant, from August 1, 1943.

DICKES, Captain A. W., promoted to Temporary Major, from August 1, 1943.

FORSTER, Second-Lieutenant M. J., promoted to Temporary Captain, from August 1, 1943.

KENNEDY, Captain D. G., promoted to . Temporary Major, from August 1, 1943.

TRENCH, Captain D. C. C., promoted to Temporary Major and Acting Lieutenant-Colonel, from August 1, 1943.

WILSON, Captain C. E. J., promoted to Temporary Major, from August 1, 1943. 14 OCTOBER, 1943—PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

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Pacific Affairs

"Quiz" at Sydney University TJ/ITH the conclusion of the third term at the University of Sydney, a “Pacific Quiz” was held, in which Professor Harvey Sutton (School of Tropical Medicine), Mr. Black (Economics Department, and well-known commentator on the ABC network), Dr. lan Hogbin (lecturer in anthropology), Mr. Barrie and Dr. McDonald answered questions submitted by the students.

“Civilisation” And Work

r E first question asked was about the indentured labour system. The questioner thought that this was the best means of acquainting the natives with the meaning of European civilisation.

In his reply, Dr. Hogbin again denied that the indentured labour system brought the natives any closer to understanding European civilisation. He said that, generally speaking, the Administration firmly believed that this was the most satisfactory solution. Anthropologists, however, did not approve of the idea, the reasons being that (1) the natives learn little, if anything, about European civilisation by working on a plantation, and (2) from the purely technical point of view, the nature of their work is more or less of a routine character, teaching the natives very little and being of little use to the natives on their return to their villages.

Nz In The Pacific

rE next question, as to what part New Zealand’s economy plays in the Pacific, with regard to markets, etc., was answered by Mr. Barrie.

He said that for further development, NZ needs markets. It is unlikely that these needs will be satisfied in the old world. Consequently, NZ should endeavor to play a bigger part in the post-war economy of the Pacific. This would help to develop her secondary and tertiary industries, and this also would help to establish greater economic stability in the Pacific. From past mistakes we have seen how much economic stability means when it comes to the point of maintaining peace in the Pacific.

Japan’S Staying-Power

Japan face a long war, in view \j of her relatively weak economic and industrial resources?”

This question was answered by Dr.

MacDonald. He said that, strategically speaking, Japan’s position at the moment was quite sound, for one must also consider the vast resources she has gained through her conquests. However, in the long run, the resources of the Allied Nations would prove to be more extensive and this, together with military action, will lead to Japan’s ultimate defeat.

Dr. McDonald believes that responsible quarters in Japan are aware of this fact, but hope that, if they fight long enough, they can secure a compromise peace; and then, having recovered sufficiently and reorganised their armies, they can extend their “co-prosperity sphere.”

Medical Services

Professor Harvey Sutton Was

asked about medical services in the Islands. The questioner expressed the opinion that, with good medical services, over-population may result.

Professor Harvey Sutton said that medical services in TNG were largely paid for by the gold-mining industry.

Up to the present, depopulation was pur problem, and not over-population, and many years will elapse before the original level will again be reached. Once more, we must appreciate that increased population does not imply over-population in the world of to-day, and that these natives form a good natural defence ring around Australasia, from the purely strategic point of view.- R.D.

Hugh Mackenzie Special Award by United States rE following press message from Washington, dated September 22, refers to “Hughie” Mackenzie, who was well known in Rabaul. He had served as an officer in the Australian Navy, but had retired, to grow coconuts in the Rabaul district. He was there when the Japanese came; and he was one of those who escaped by walking along the South Coast and swimming a river or two. Subsequently, he was reported to have joined a service directed by the British Resident Commissioner in the Solomon Islands. There is no indication of the nature of the service referred to in the Washington message, which reads: — “The US Secretary for the Navy Colonel Knox, on behalf of President Roosevelt, has awarded the Legion of Merit, with the degree of officer, to Lieut.-Commander H. A. Mackenzie, RAN, of Sydney, ‘for exceptionally meritorious conduct and the performance of outstanding service to the Government of the United States at Guadalcanal.’ ”

L/Bdr. G. G. Smith, formerly of Suva, Fiji, and now of the New Zealand Forces, has been reported missing.

Mr. J. T. Swanson, who was well known in Fiji as a surveyor, died in Taveuni hospital, on August 23. 15 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY OCTOBER, 1943

K atom* l(W'» •5§S 89 YEARS 3 AJ 3 a! 5^5 S WALLOWe ARIELL ltd HUBS IF BISCBITI • Fill MDBIBCS • (IBIS • VITBCEB . ICE CBEII •il j. taaSS OSC^ &y SOLOMON IS.

FUTURE important Reconstruction Plans BEFORE Lieutenant-Colonel C. N. F.

Bengough, Acting Resident Commissioner in the Solomons, was reported missing from an aircraft on September 5, he was already grappling with problems of reconstruction as they would affect the Protectorate.

When war came to the Solomons, all commercial activity came to an end, and all Europeans not evacuated automatically joined the armed forces. Although, to-day, most of the Group has been freed from the Japs, it is not practicable for civilians to return, and the Administration itself has taken over the job of import and distributing agent. In this, the officials have the full co-operation of the Americans, who are providing shipping space and goods under lease-lend.

The Administration is also assuming control of abandoned plantations and is considering a copra-production scheme, under which they will be worked by Government-organised labour gangs, as in liberated New Guinea.

At present, food shortage in areas lately freed from the Japanese is a serious problem: in one corner of Guadalcanal it has been necessary to issue rations to the natives.

The Japs, apparently, had orders to live on the country, and they pillaged native gardens indiscriminately. The Administration’s aim now is to get these gardens into production again quickly and agricultural officers have been sent to the most devastated areas.

At the same time, the long view is being taken and efforts are being made to discover new crops for which markets will be available after the war—crops that will offset the former total dependance on copra production.

Native Government

BEFORE the Pacific war, plans for considerably increased responsibility for the natives in local government, under a system similar to that of indirect rule, operating in some African colonies, in the Gilbert and Ellice Colony, etc., had been drawn up.

It is realised that it may be a long time before the natives will be capable of managing their local affairs to the extent indicated; but, in all liberated areas, increased native authority is being given, and is welcomed by the natives.

The first preliminary to further native emancipation will be the extension of educational facilities—in which the Solomons has hitherto been singularly lacking. The Administration reports that it has this matter in hand.

Future Administrative Centre

FOR many years there has been agitation, in some quarters, for the administrative centre to be moved from Tulagi to Guadalcanal: but an overwhelming argument in favour of the retention of Tulagi was that the buildings there would have to be abandoned.

The buildings in Tulagi are to-day no more, and when the capital comes to be rebuilt, the choice of site can be decided with an open mind —and not be cramped by any narrow Colonial Office ideas regarding economy.

The “Lorna D,” famous home-made schooner belonging to Captain and Mrs.

Davidge, which they sailed from Vancouver across the Pacific and back as far as Tahiti, is reported to be still in Papeete harbour. Procurement of many supplies needed for the rest of the return voyage has delayed departure.

"Live" Pidgin

Letter to the Editor IT has been a great joy to learn through “PlM'’ that Pidgin is now becoming world-famous. Many of us will look forward to the time when we return to the Islands and hear the latest samples of Pidgin from our houseboys, etc.

But I do think that, on the principle that a live language must grow or die, we should not stop at simply Americanising our Pidgin, good though the phrasebooks are, as shown in your September article by “J.T.”

Why should we not add a little colour and pulsating life to it, by “Cockneyising” it? This, in conjunction with a few Americanisms, should produce a language which would cover the whole range of human thought and emotions, I imagine.

Take that great standby of the Papuan native, the word “Sedila” (I don’t know).

Rendered into colourful Cockney Pidgin, it would probably read: “Strike me bleedin’ ’andsome, taubada, me dunno, and me don’t care, neither, see?”

Again, that other ever-present fixture in the Papuan mind, “Lau ura!” (I want!). In Cockney Pidgin it would read thus: “Ho, gorblimey, taubada, me goin’ to bite yer lug!”

Then there is the pleasant murmur of the native cook-boy who says, just as it is time to prepare dinner, “Lau lao mavaru!” (I’m going to a dance!). This would be Cockneyised, no doubt, into the vivacious phrase: “Blast me ruddy eyes, sinabada, you cookim dinner, me go long bleedin’ good beano!”

Can it be doubted that such vivid, living phrases as these, duly annotated in a well-got-up phrase-book, would add to the joy of life in the Islands?

I am, etc., ARTHUR WYBORN.

Sydney, 18/9/43. 16 OCTOBER, 1943 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

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Sly Grog In Samoa

Extraordinary Differences in Fines Prom Our Own Correspondent APIA, Aug. 17, 1943. 117ESTERN Samoa continues to enjoy W unparalleled prosperity and a peaceful and undisturbed existence in the midst of a war-torn world and a turbulent Pacific.

However, where there are lights there are also shades, and there are some thorny problems disturbing the peace and equanimity of this small community.

What we are suffering from is not want, or war sacrifices, but some inefficiency and the vagaries of official economic and social policies One problem, which agitates public opinion, and which is common to other Island Territories and New Zealand and Australia, is the “sly-grog” problem.

Owing to the great ease of manufacture of grog and the enormous profits derived from its illegal sale, it is, of course, difficult to cope with or to completely suppress the nefarious trade.

Some time ago it was reported that the Chief Judge of the High Court of Apia had issued a stern warning to offenders, pointing out what a great danger, to civilians, particularly children, and Allied servicemen is the reckless driving of intoxicated drivers. Severe punishment was threatened in future.

In fact, a large number of local-born Europeans and Samoans have been sentenced to short or long jail sentences recently. But when a certain Chinese restaurant-keeper, Leung Wai, who is believed to have accumulated a fortune from his trade, was charged with being “an occupier of premises where intoxicating liquor w*as found,” and was convicted, he did not receive a jail sentence, and escaped with the nominal fine of £lOO.

On the same day, a Samoan, who was found carrying a bottle of “bush-gin” and a local-born European (Euronesian), who had sold a bottle of “bush-gin,” were each sentenced to four months’ imprisonment.

This is regarded as injustice by Samoans and Europeans alike, and the Administration is openly changed with protecting the prominent liquor-seller or exerting influence in his favour, while heavily punishing similar offenders of no commercial importance.

The matter has been brought—unsuccessfully—to the attention of the Administrator by the Hon. A. Stowers, MLC; and the Samoan representatives, assembling shortly in the Fono of Faipule, are also taking the matter up and asking explanations from the Administration for this apparent discrimination in favour of a former Chinese coolie, who is now one of the richest men in the Territory.

There is general condemnation of the “bush-gin” trade in Samoa, but it is demanded that equal punishment be dealt out to every offender, be he European, Chinese or Samoan, or whether he is rich or poor.

Price Fixing

AMONGST the commercial community and the general public, another source of irritation is the inefficient handling of price control in Samoa.

In February, 1943, the Government created a new “Price Control Board” and fixed the maximum profit which merchants and traders were to charge, at 30 per cent, on landed costs.

At the same time they specified the items t 0 be i^ luded within the term “landed cost.” The 30 per cent, profit, however, was not extended to foodstuffs and other essential lines, for which special bedrock prices were fixed previous to the new organisation. These were changed over from time to time owing to fluctuations in overseas prices, freights and insurance costs. Long lists of these foodstuffs and essentials are published every few days in our only medium of publicity, the daily wireless sheets of the Administration. Up to date hundreds of different items with fixed prices have been announced—for example, the same line of vegetables has been announced numerous times for the vanous brands which are imported into the Territory. Thus an enormous amount of tune and work is expended. This time C ,9 U , easily be saved if a fixed profit of slightly less than 30 per cent, were permitted for these lines.

Further, the numerous regulations and price orders are not enforced or controlled at all. The authorities relv on the buying public to report cases of violation of the price control orders and thus only very few cases are brought to the notice of the authorities, while violations of the price laws are widespread particularly in country districts, where goods are scarce, and the Samoans are willing to pay any price to get what they want. Consequently traders have never had such a prosperous time as the present.

There also seems to be a considerable muddle in regard to the control and allocation of imports. For instance, the Administration exercises a practical monopoly over the importation of rice into the Territory, and this monopoly has now led to a total lack of rice supplies for months. The Administration maintains that rice is not needed for Samoans, but only for Europeans and Chinese. At Present, there is, in consequence, no rice (Continued on Page 19) 17 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY OCTOBER, 1943

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o CARLTON BREWED BY UNITED BREWERIES LTD. available for Europeans, children, or sick people. There is also a shortage of flour, biscuits, soap, and other essential lines.

It is reported that the Administration, through the New Zealand Government, has denied that there are any shortages of flour, rice and other essentials in the Territory, and that, in consequence, the Australian Government has not found it necessary to allocate the comparatively small quantities essential to Samoa.

There is certainly some muddling going on somewhere, and the criticism is directed against the Administration for not looking after the interests of the public.

The Rising Of The

PALOLO Phenomenon in N. Hebrides Letter to the Editor IHAVE read an article by Mr. Laurie Walker, in the July “PIM,” on the Palolo worm.

I have lived 40 years in these parts; but evidently I have much to learn yet.

I have fished and eaten the worm, scores of times, but those I know are not more than about four inches in length, so South Santo’s two or three feet worms beat ours—and those elsewhere—easily.

Also, from Port Stanley to Espiegle Bay they are called Ne Aro. As this embraces the whole of North Malekula, excepting Big Nambus—where they are called N’undu—it is news to leam that they are called Palolo, which is the Fijian or Polynesian name.

Ne Aro is also the name of the ironwood tree—bois de fer—a variety of casuarina, and very similar to the Australian she-oak, of which it is a close relation. It is the flowering of this tree that gives the clue to the rising of the worm.

In the northern islands—that is Aoba, North Pentecost, and Banks, also northern Santo—it is called Nu Uundu (“na” or “ne” is the article “the”). In East Santo it is known as No’oroo, which is also the name of the casuarina there. In none of these places do the two or three feet specimens occur. I do not know the South Santo or Malo name.

It is also a fanciful exaggeration to say that it only appears for one night in one moon. The first night it does appear in the greatest numbers, but it is found in diminishing quantities for over a month; and, sometimes, it rises also in the November-December moon, although not in the prodigious numbers of the October—or approximate—moon. The twelfth month—dr moon— of the Big Nambas calendar is called Nal Nundu Miel—that is, the “moon of the red Nundu”; this corresponds to about our October-November moon. The thirteenth month is called Nal Nun Pun—the “moon of the whitebait” (galaxias)—which are identical with New Zealand whitebait.

The worm appears in the last quarter of the moon and does not cause the intense excitement amongst the natives of these islands as the story writers would have us believe. Neither is its appearance universal, but occurs only in certain areas.

The scientific name is Eimiaviridis and another variety, Eimiafucata, appears in the West Indies, and yet another in Japanese waters.

I am, etc., E.A.C.C.

North Malekula, New Hebrides.

Makatea Island

No Attack by Enemy Raiders From Our Own Correspondent PAPEETE, Aug. 21.

WHEN we read the April number of the “PIM” (which reached us four months after issue) we were startled to leam, on the high authority of Dr.

E. de Curton, former Governor of French Oceania, that “in December, 1940, German raiders smashed the port and phosphate installations at Makatea, the French phosphate island in the Tuamotu archipelago.”

Either Dr. de Curton was misinformed or your Noumea correspondent misread Dr. de Curton’s book; for no such happening has come to our knowledge Makatea is only 120 miles from Tahiti and there is constant coming and going between the two islands. In order to be able to correct this error authoritatively I have inquired in high official quarters of the Administration, and have conversed with people employed at Makatea.

No attack on Makatea has been made by German or any other enemy raider.

“I am Brave Eagle,” said the Indian chieftain, introducing himself to the pale-face visitor. “This is my son, Fighting Bird. And here,” he added, “is my grandson, Four-engined Bomber.” 19 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY OCTOBER, 1943 (Continued from Page 17)

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Men Of Torres

ISLANDS Effect of the War By Sapper A. C. Thompson, RAE, Torres Strait Force mHE press has been flooded with tales X of endurance, marathon treks, and faithful service by the New Guinea Fuzzy-Wuzzies. Their deeds will live as part of that heroic tragedy of blood, sweat and hardship, which even now is being fought among malarial swamps, and steaming tropical jungles.

These New Guinea natives deserve all the praise that is being showered on them. But, from the isles of Torres Strait, there has been enlisted another band of loyal natives who, though almost unknown, are also faithfully serving their country. They have seen those precise formations of Japanese bombers drone over their island homes. Many of them have heard the “boom” of bursting bombs and witnessed their effect. These “boys” have not met the yellow invader face to face, but they are prepared for that possibility.

They appear to be attracted by army life. Their inborn aptitude for rhythm enables them to appreciate the regular beat of regimental drill. Their own dances are performed to a slow rhythmic time. These dances are strenuous affairs, and demand no small amount of energy —really their version of physical culture.

Their many duties in the army allow them little time to dance, but they can always find time to sing.

Music is in their blood. They know no notes or involved theory of composition.

It is a spontaneous expression of their feelings and emotions. They sing about the sea, the wind and the storm —in fact, anything connected with their daily life.

Their voices blend in strange, but pleasant harmony; but, in the background, can be heard that familiar rhythmic beat of their dances.

Their songs are varied. Some are rendered completely in their own simple language; others have a dash of English.

Despite their happy-go-lucky philosophy, they take the army seriously.

Even when engaged in the most unpleasant tasks, they delight in the practise of drill movements, and although their previous existence was a free and easy one, they have earned for themselves, among the white troops, a reputation as the best workers in the Straits.

IN training for this deadly game of war they are keen. They have their own NCO’s, whose rank does not rise beyond that of corporal. When it comes to the more technical side of army training. they are easily bamboozled, but they excel in the vigorous bayonet drill. It allows an expression of their dormant warlike spirit and in a headlong charge these boys would take some stopping.

Before Japan’s hordes began to menace the easy tenor of their life, these islanders earned their livelihood by the gathering of pearl and trochus shell.

Environment through the centuries has fitted them for the extreme hardships of diving. The sea is their element. They revel in its crystal clear waters, and are equally at home whether poised with fish spear, or exploring the ocean bed. The gruesome mysteries of the ocean’s depths hold no terror for them. It is a crude type of fatalism which enables them to pursue their daily work contentedly.

Before the war, many of these boys worked with the Japs, who had infiltrated into the pearling industry to such an extent that they virtually controlled it. The result is that these islanders regard the war as an opportunity to free the industry for ever from the fetters of Japanese competition.

THE origin of this Torres Islands race is lost in the mists of antiquity.

They are an excellent physical type, much more virile than their aboriginal neighbours to the south, whom they regard as underdogs and speak of derisively as “Bingai.” Owing to their geographic position, they remained virtually unmolested until the pearling industry brought them in contact with the outside world.

Whether, in the remote past, these islanders were originally Polynesians, or migrated from some other part of the Pacific, are subjects which I will leave to the anthropologist; but, as a result of the numerous peoples which came in the wake of the pearling industry, their racial strain is no longer pure. Other similar South Seas races have intermingled with them—Malayan mariners, Japanese pearlers, Chinese traders and European exploiters have all left their mark.

Since those hectic times, the Queensland Government has taken the Torres Strait Islands under its wing, and the Protector of Aborigines has tried to preserve what purity of race still remains.

The Torres Islands communities are run almost without the aid of the white men. The natives, a very religious people, have their own churches and schools, with most of their own teachers and clergy. These coloured people, although in obscurity, are giving their all to the nation’s war effort, and, like their white countrymen, are earnestly longing for the days of peace when they will again be free to cruise over the colourful waters of Torres Strait in quest of pearl and trochus shell, and in pursuit of fish and dugong. 20 OCTOBER, 1943 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

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Nostalgia—And A Marook

Unwilling Sydneyites Enjoy a Hate Session

By Judy Tudor

r THIS is a then-and-now story; or an “itall-depends-on-the-viewpoint” story. It is dedicated to evacuees in general.

Time was when Sydney was the Territorian’s Mecca; the focal point of nebulous dreams; the fount from whence all blessings (you could take your pick) flowed.

To-day, the dream is no longer nebulous —it has been deflated or de-dreamed!

Sydney is a cold, actual fact —perpetrated in brick, stone and ferrous concrete. It is a desert of blasted hopes and dull routine; a wilderness of work and worry; a region of arctic temperatures; a place to drive strong men to tears. In short — a hole.

SYDNEY was once glorious. But, even in the good old days, more glorious in anticipation than in reality.

Cases have been known where men, dreaming of its joys for months or years from the safe distance of a mining camp or isolated plantation, having sampled the pleasures of Usher’s, been smiled upon by Ethel, lost money at Randwick, found it dull and unprofitable after the first few days.

Distance, too, lent enchantment to the view. In Rabaul. for examnle, “South” was not such a dire necessity as it was farther out.

The Territorian was a tough guy with a sub-stratum of sentiment. He had an ego as big as a bus. but was dependable in a crisis. His chief antipathies were round-trippers, any other variety of “boys” than those in his own labour-line, the “Bie Firmsand sundry other Island institutions. His money he made the hard way, and usually went South to spend it.

Here, all good fortune was put down to pure luck and he became a lamb for the fleecing. After some weeks of whoopee, friend Territorian was usually more than willing to return to his own chunk of South Seas paradise, there to partake of solitude, mosquitoes, fever, bush mokas, canned food and taro, and, in the full cvcle of such things, soon to be dreaming once again of the of Sydnev town, cold beer and civilisation.

In these back-waters, hemmed in by coconuts or by mountains, time was elastic. accommodating and kind. Days melted miraculously away, and shipping time-tables superseded calendars. But “South” never completely waned from one’s thoughts, as witness this story of our partner in crime. 10 years a Territorian, but hitherto from coastal areas.

Fhis first year in the Big Bush he collected a marook for the Sydney zoo: he came from Sydney, and this was considered fitting. The small marook chicken was turned loose round the homestead until such time as transport could be arranged for it. But, while it waited, Fate intervened, and the marook catastrophically departed this life.

Almost a year went by before a successor could be found. A marook. when grown, represents a considerable asset to a kanaka (apologies to J. Nixon Westwood. in September “PIM”) and those kanakas who could be found comnlete with marook would not nart with them.

But ambition burned brightly in our pal’s breast. Moreover, he had informed the Zoo of what was in store for them, and thev had replied enthusiastically, everv mail-day. from that date. He felt that his honour was at stake: there had to be a Marook ll—and by perseverance, there was. We’ll call him “Two.”

Unfortunately, at the same time as Two’s advent, I was scheduled for a holiday South. The whole matter of transport for the bird was thereby simplified: I should take it with me, and, with an adequate supply of paw-paws and bananas, supply it with sustenance en route.

When we were formally introduced, we took an instant dislike to each other.

Two eyed me with distrust; and the personal habits of marooks are not such that they endear themselves to anyone with an acute sense of smell.

Sydney loomed close, and filled my thoughts. The clothes I had left in Boram were no doubt covered with blue mould and eaten by cockroaches; for a year my hair had grown mad, except where I had lopped it with the help of a pair of trade-scissors and a 6-by-6-inch trade-mirror; I was already equipped with an assortment of ten-foot spears and some bows and arrows (another obligation).

I felt that already I was circus enough, and I added a marook to my retinue (Continued on Page 23) 21 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY OCTOBER, 1943

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THE COLEMAN EXPORT CORPORATION, CHICAGO, ILL, U.S.A. reluctantly. But Two was put in a copra-sack, and carried out to Boram.

There, he was transferred to a meatcase, while we waited for the ship.

A DAY or so later one of the boys appeared and said, “More better picaninny belong marook go walkabout. Suppose he sit down along bokis three week more leg belong ’im ’e buggerup finis.”

I agreed. Being cooped up in a meat case could be no joke, and there was little sense in presenting the Zoo with a bird with buggered-up legs. So we took it out and tied a ball of string to one leg and let it loose under the house—a grave tactical error on our part.

Two’s feet started to run before he hit the ground, and then he lit out for freedom with everything he had. Round and round the piles he went, describing loops and figure eights, and when the string would stretch no further he rolled over on his side and gasped like a gaffed fish.

Up to that point, the cook-boy, the monkey and I had enjoyed the spectacle immensely. While the cook unravelled string for dear life, so that Two could get a better run for his money, we sat down on our heels to get a better view and yelled with delight. Remember, we were just down from the bush, and eager for amusement.

But, when Two lay there, still moving his thin legs in slow-motion, and giving every indication that he would pass right out in a fit of fury or apoplexy, we became alarmed, and began to think furiously of the donor thereof, who was determined that Sydney should have a marook collected from the elemental jungle with his own fair hands.

We shoved the marook back in the box, gave it two bananas as a peace offering, covered it with a sack and hoped for the best. Two survived. rpO-DAY, at Taronga Park, a couple of X full-sized marooks stalk majestically round the pen marked “New Guinea Cassowary.” They are magnificent-looking birds, with shining black feathers and bright blue wattles. Maybe one of them is Two. On occasions, I have visited there with friends and remarked modestly, when we came to the marooks: “I brought one of those down from the Sepik district.” If one of them is Two, he is now almost as tall as I am. So they say “Oh!” doubtfully, with a glazed, calculating look in their eye.

No doubt they get a mental picture of me bounding over New Guinea’s hills and dales, a 12-bore shotgun in my hand, a “tiger-shooter” on the back of my head, wresting life-size marooks from infuriated head - hunters. Bring -’em - back - alive Tudor! ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ rOSE were the days! Then, the people who keep flats down Macleay Street, Pott’s Point, acted as though they liked prospective tenants. To-day, if you can first track them to their lair— in itself a feat of perseverance—they bellow, before you have a chance to open your mouth: “We haven’t any flats, and. what’s more, we won’t be having any!

We have 339 people on a waiting list already.” That disposes of the flat question.

Then, too, in those dear days beyond recall, it was possible to park a car in a nrohibited area, or next a fire hydrant with verve and abandon. If caught, and bawled out, you could always disarm the con. “I hadn’t an idea I shouldn’t do it!

I live in New Guinea—just been down a week.”

“Well, now,” he’d say, putting his notebook away and parking his foot on the running-board, “that’s very interesting.

What’s it like up there?” In half an hour you would escape with his blessing.

To-day, few Territorians have cars to park in prohibited areas; those who have, have got no petrol. Neither are cops or the general public interested in your, version of New Guinea any —they have read all about it in the papers: it’s the land where the Fuzzy-Wuzzy Angels grow. Some have a glimmering that there were pre-blitz Europeans in those parts, but now they look upon them with suspicion. After all, did they not wax fat at the native’s expense?

“How?” you ask.

“Well, they must have,” you are told.

“Otherwise, why are missionaries, politicians and kind people from Canberra to Washington resolving that ‘the native shall not be exploited after the war’?”

NO— Sydney is not the place it was. It is a town of women: many of them suddenly platinum blonde; many more with a badly-grafted American accent; all of them chain-smokers. If I were a man I should give up smoking cigarettes—and let the women have a really open slather. It’s effeminate, anyway.

The shops have no stocks; but they are thronged by thousands of fat, middleaged women who, somehow provided with more money than they had in life before, are vomited from trams, trains, busses and ferries each day to make life hell for those whose misfortune it is to do business in the city. Marked with the indelible stamp of dull suburbia, they are the kind of women who are quarried, not hatched; the kind who spend their husband’s clothing coupons before their own.

As a uniform, they wear permanent waves and the darndest, nuttiest little 23 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY OCTOBER, 1943 (Continued from Page 21)

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There are, of course, still men in this town, young and old, in uniform and out.

But somehow they go unnoticed amongst the hordes of war-maddened females, femmes;' TSe retail trades, and have assumed’unlimited licence to snarl, “No razor blades” “No matches,” “No bacon,” “Don’t you’ know there’s a war on,” and all the other overworked missiles of the home-front every time anyone has the temerity to try to buy necessary commodities. One needs a front of brass, a steel core and a strong character to approach a shop assistant these days. , Of course, we know that we don’t know how lucky we are. But who appreciates q “nipp ssfp nipop” until nru* ic in o n i no Unsafe one? P fTKDR me —gimme a desert; or a coral r wuhw°lcTflroclu?SbakTfew wogs a couole of mUllon « mountain or two Sid a dSsI of flVe? duckedinfor goodmeasure* or even a * from^hi^ 1 had th . ol s’ fro “ ™ ls dlstan ce, they seem infinitely Preferable to the jungles of Pitt Street and the wildernesses of King’s Cross, where the only rule is “Get in and get it—or go without.” m , , . , _ In the of . the . d yed-m-wool Terntonan who blew m here the other day, after Jap-dodging for over a year in New Guinea’s back-of-beyond: “If this is Sydney—l’ve had it ”

In the Track of the Americans Changes in Noumea and Solomons AN officer of the Information Office, Suva, Fiji, Mr. Harold Cooper, recently visited advanced battle stations in the South-west Pacific. Some of his cabled despatches were printed in the “Fiii Times,” and a condensation of two of them appears below. Pacific residents are anxious and interested to know the effect of war on island territories other than their own, but although more correspondents and newspaper men have let Zoose in the Pacific than ever before, few, if any, have the <e lsland annle Cooper has.

Here are Noumea and the Solomons as he sees them.

APRE - WAR resident re-visiting Noumea would rub his eyes and wonder whether his name was Rip Van Winkle. Two years ago, Noumea was a sleepy tropical town, where casual traffic moved at a leisurely pace along avenues which one could cross blindfold in perfect safety. Now there, are corners where the pedestrian must wait patiently for an occasional gan in the grimy cavalcade of military vehicles of all sizes, from ieeps to giant trucks, which rumble by in unwearying procession.

The change that has come over Noumea is a sample and symbol of the prodigious American exertions over the past eighteen months in this part of the world.

Here, as in so many places in the South Pacific, the Americans have had to start from a long way behind scratch in their race to build up bases adequate to support a major offensive against Japan. As everybody knows, you can’t tie a battleship to a palm tree, or land four-engined bombers on a bathing beach. Yet that was about the sum total of the facilities available to the Americans when they assumed direction of Allied operations in this theatre.

It was, at one time, fashionable to complain of the slow tempo of events in the Pacific war, and these complaints were often barbed with hints that the task of mobilising Allied striking power was either being bungled or not tackled with the grim seriousness the situation demanded. But when the full story is told of the transformation the Americans have wrought in Noumea and its cluster of subsidiary bases it will be counted as a miracle of speed and efficiency no less impressive than the launching of the first thousand Liberty ships. Before very long Japan will learn with baffled amazement exactly how quickly Uncle Sam has delivered the goods in the South Pacific. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ GUADALCANAL to-day is a vast graveyard of Japan’s dreams of Empire.

Everywhere along that nart of the coast which was the scene of last year’s fighting there is unmistakable evidence of the overwhelming extent of the Japanese disaster.

The beach for many miles on each side of Cape Esperance is littered with hundreds of derelict landing barges, many of which the sands have already swallowed.

Five big Japanese transports, grounded in a vain attempt to escape American bombing, rust forlornly in shallow water. One of them, once a show piece of Japan’s Merchant Marine, now bears, painted on its scarred and fissured hull, the humi- 24 OCTOBER, 194 3 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

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Guadalcanal is the souvenir hunter’s paradise. The natives are letting little go to waste. Japanese helmets have increased the housewife’s hoard of kitchen utensils. Sections of Japanese collapsible boats mounted on wheels make excellent village handcarts. Other boats are upturned to do duty as benches and tables.

Swords which once adorned Tojo’s officers are now used to dig yams. The arms of Guadalcanal’s grass-skirted womenfolk jangle with bracelets wrought from the metal of crashed Zeros.

There was one Japanese political officer who sought to impress village audiences by driving a six-inch nail into a treetrunk, declaring that it represented Japanese power firmly implanted in the Solomons. The brief myth of Japanese invincibility is now blown sky-high and the natives hugely enjoy the discomfiture of their would-be oppressors.

The season’s musical hit in the Islands is a song in pidgin English which tells the story of the series of Japanese defeats at the hands of American land, sea, and air forces, and each verse of which ends with the derisive line, “Me laugh along you Japan! ha ha.” The amount of face lost in the Solomons must keep many a Japanese bigwig awake of nights. • • ♦ ♦ DURING the last hours at Munda, on New Georgia, I was looking down from an observation post, about a mile from Munda Point. The tanks were moving into position to open point-blank fire on the few remaining pill-boxes at the end of the bomb-pocked rectangular airfield.

There was almost a holiday atmosphere, for everyone knew that, to quote the words of another soldier watching from the hilltop with me, “It’s all over except for handing out the cigars.” Behind the front line Naval Construction Battalions—they are among the unsung heroes of this Pacific war—were already at work building a two-lane highway to link the beach-head with the virtually captured airfield.

As we jeeped our way back through the wilderness of shell-blasted stumps that was once Lambeti plantation, we came upon a huge steam shovel gnawing busily at a patch of ground which only a few days before had been the scene of fanatical Japanese resistance.

Even if the Americans have fallen slightly behind their original ambitious schedule for the advance on Munda, whatever time has been lost they will more than retrieve by the incredible speed with which they are exploiting their gains. The process of transforming Munda from a ruined Japanese fortress into a smoothly functioning and wellequipped Allied forward base will be completed before Tojo can say “co-prosperity.”

HERE is a story of Captain D. G.

Kennedy, formerly a District Officer in the Solomons, who waged a private war with the Japs until the Americans arrived and “relieved him of the responsibility for the defence of his district.”

His residence is like a miniature war museum. It is filled with trophies which he and his small band of 35 native troops have captured during several months of highly successful, albeit far from orthodox, campaigning against the Japanese occupation forces. For most of that time Kennedy was cut off from the outside world and had to devise a strategy which would enable him to wage war against the invader at the invader’s own expense.

Before long, the enemy was unwillingly keeping him supplied, not arms, but also with food and transport, for among the earliest spoils to fall into the hands of Kennedy’s elusive guerrillas were two armed barges, large quantities of petrol and lubricating oil and enough rations to feed the entire party for three months. (Continued on Page 27) Mr. T. M. Bryce, who has been manager of the Bank of New South Wales in Fiji since early 1941, has been transferred to Perth, Western Australia. 25 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY OCTOBER, 1943

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P r*- *'--*s&s*&* . suv ~ «LB°' JS '^ B OI HtP 6c ° \ ir" E pt* WEt* ?.o 22 others taken prisoner. “We felt much better,” says Kennedy, “when the tally of Japanese dead exceeded our own establishment, for we knew then that even if the worst happened and we were all wiped out the final score would still be in our favour.”

Kennedy’s last battle will probably go down in history as one of the briefest and oddest naval engagements ever fought. In a ten-ton schooner he attacked, under cover of darkness, a 25-ft. whale boat, containing a party of ten Japanese, which he had followed down the coast and into a lagoon. When he found difficulty in silencing the Japanese machine-gun fire Kennedy cut the encounter short by ramming the whale boat in a manner which would have done credit to one of His Majesty’s destroyers.

In the intervals between these adventures Kennedy carried on normal administrative duties and was at hand to welcome the Americans when they landed.

Unit Which is Already Famous Solomon Islands Labour Corps rE Solomon Islands Labour Corps now numbers 2,500 officers and men, under the command of Squadron- Leader C. V. Widdy, RAAF, who, before the war, was general manager of Levers’

Pacific Plantations.

The Corps was formed in the days when the Japs were being driven from Guadalcanal, and its members had their first taste of battle when they carried ammunition and supplies right up to the front lines. The Corps’ duties include loading and unloading cargo vessels, road maintainance and construction, the building of warehouses and airfields, clearing camp sites, the erection of telegraph lines, salvage work and the operation of small coastal vessels. The Corps Honour Roll includes 16 men killed, 16 died of illness, and many wounded.

Food Prices High In

SAMOA From Our Own Correspondent APIA, Aug. 27. rnHE export of taro and ta’amu to X American Samoa has been prohibited by the Administration, until further notice.

There is a shortage in Western Samoa of local and European foodstuffs (rice, flour, biscuits, etc.) and export of taro— large quantities of which are shipped to Pago Pago in order to obtain the better prices ruling in the neighbouring Territory—seriously affected local supplies.

Shortages of rice, vegetables and eggs —to say nothing of local fish, which are practically unobtainable—are keenly felt by the Europeans. Eggs are selling for six and seven shillings per dozen, while fowls fetch up to 15/- and 18/- each.

Soldier Settlement

IN FIJI fIIHE Fiji Legislative Council approved X at the end of August, the opening of a £25,000 Advance Account to purchase land for the settlement of returned servicemen.

A Provisional Services Settlement Board has been appointed and the Board will consider whether land which comes on the market from time to time should be purchased. It is not proposed that the provisional committee should buy land on a large scale.

Fiji'S Secret Weapon

BY AMEL WE had not heard of this “Secret Weapon” . until old Wilisoni, the vegetable man, told us about it.

Wilisoni, a large and grizzled Fijian from a village three miles away, has been bringing taro, yams, paw-paws and tall stories to our house for many years.

Either his instinct, or his burning ears, warn him when —and what—we are thinking of him, and we jc an be sure that he will arrive the following day in his gaudy punt, the colour of which would put any self-respecting fire-engine to shame.

After he has sold his produce for a sum satisfactory to himself, and cadged tobacco, matches, paper, an empty benzine tin, a cooking pot, ten shillings, an old hat and anything else that occurs to him, he parks himself on the doorstep and tells us how the War is going.

Things like the radio and the newspapers leave him cold. He gets his news from the Coconut Telegraph, which, according to Wilisoni, is the most reliable news service of all.

Last week, he was extolling the fighting prowess of Fijians who had gone on active service in battle areas. They were wonderful soldiers, he declared, and had killed 60,000 of the enemy in less than a month.

“And did they—uh—eat them all?” I enquired gently.

Wilisoni, looking slightly shocked, ignored this sally, and went on with his paeans of praise. All the Fijians were good at bush work, he said, but several of them, in particular, were of special value to their comrades. Here he paused dramatically and bit the end off a tobacco leaf.

“Why?” we asked, breathlessly.

“Because they can smell the Japanese!” he replied, triumphantly. “They creep quietly through the jungle, sniffing here and sniffing there —” he illustrated vividly —“and when they smell Japanese, they send word back for troops to come and surround them and kill them all. It is very easy for these Fijians. That is why they have killed 60,000 Japanese in . . .”

Suddenly he caught our sceptical gaze, and grinned , . . “You don’t believe me?

But it is quite true. I never tell lies!” ...

“No,” I murmured, watching him push off in his little red punt, “not too many lies, Wilisoni. But 60,000 Japanese is pretty good going, even for the Smelling Corps!” 27 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY OCTOBER, 1943

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East Of Samara I

Memories of the Early Days

By D. H. Osborne

I WAS interested in “Mac’s” article on the discovery of gold on Sudest.

I worked on the Gira goldfield in 1899 and was camped near Jack Andersen and Harry Williams. They were two of the prospectors of Sudest—they often talked of their experience of different goldfields, and they had been mates for many years. This is their account of the Sudest find.

Dave White was a pearl-shell diver, working in the passages near Sudest. On a visit to Cooktown (Cooktown was the nearest town for supplies) he spoke of white outcrops on Janet and other islands in the Calvados Chain.

Some miners in Cooktown formed a party of 16. I do not remember the names of the others. I often heard of Masher Clarke, but I never met him.

The party chartered the schooner “Griffen.” Harry Christensen (“German Harry”) owned her at the time. He agreed to take the party to New Guinea and remain at anchor while the miners worked on shore.

They landed on Janet, but there was no luck there; so they moved to Sudest.

They anchored off Sudest, at what has become known as Griffen Point, after the name of the schooner. They found payable gold on their first day on shore.

They allowed Harry Christensen to break his contract, and he sailed for Cooktown. Winds were favourable and he returned in a short time with a number of miners; and other boats followed. -tiarry s quick return was a very sore point with Harry Williams and Jack Andersen.

Dave White sold out of the diving boats and started storekeeping on Sudest.

When gold was found on Misima most of the white men rushed to Misima, but Dave White remained. He was the first to supply the Sudest natives with tools to mine for gold. Andy Jorgensen, who had remained on Sudest, took a pick and destroyed the natives’ dishes. White and he had words over the matter. Then Jorgensen changed his mind, replaced the dishes, and started the boys out digging—and he bought their gold.

After the rush to Woodlark, Jorgensen moved to Misima, and he set natives there to mining, also.

White took Billy Lamb in as partner.

When White died, Lamb bought his share. Lamb remained in business on Sudest until his death in 1908. He willed the business to Mr. J. A. Carpenter, who was manager for Burns Philp there at the time. The business was floated into Tagula Plantations, Ltd., and was in existence until the Japs appeared on the scene.

The only time I heard of John Douglas visiting SED was when he landed Rossel natives on Rossel Island, when they were returned from the Queensland sugar plantations. The natives were recruited by Captain Inman and were returned home some time before the discovery of gold on Sudest.

IKNEW Nicholas Minister (“Nick the Greek”) for years. He was working pearl-shell with a diving-pump, and trading with the natives of the Calvados Chain, buying trepang and turtle-shell, before any other whites were there.

When Captain Craig was murdered, Sir William McGregor had only recently arrived in the Territory. He had no means of arresting the murderers, as he had not recruited a police force. He offered a reward for the murderers, dead or alive. The village was in sight of the scene of the tragedy.

Nicholas went up to the village, bowled over the Chief, cut off his head, took it to Sir William, laid it on the deck, and demanded the reward.

Sir William almost took a fit. He threatened to charge Nicholas with murder.

Nicholas said: “British style, keep the man prisoner for some time, then hang him. Nicholas style, shoot first and inquire later.”

There must have been truth in Nicholas’s story of his having been thrown overboard by Moturema natives, after being attacked. He swam to the bow of the boat, and climbed up the anchorchain. The natives were below, looting his stores, when they saw him on deck, covered with blood. They yelled, and jumped overboard and swam ashore.

From then on, he was regarded as a wizard and was quite safe from attack.

Nicholas had been in many tight corners. He had tomahawk and spear marks on his face and arms.

I doubt that Nicholas Minister was ever in gaol. He probably had a few skeletons in his cupboard. He used to say that he had been outlawed for a time —and he blamed Rev. Chalmers for that.

A warship was searching for him. The waters were uncharted at the time.

Nicholas went on board and piloted them for several days, to clear water. Afterwards, he sent a message, saying who he was. If true, the charge was withdrawn, for he was not arrested.

IN the early days of Sudest, Nicholas had a fleet of boats. His flagship was a 50-ton schooner, the “Daunt- 28 OCTOBER, 1943 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

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Cable Address: "Steamships". less”—a good sailer. In his old age he sold most of the boats.

The “Dauntless” was wrecked at the Trobriands, while being repaired, at anchor. The insurance policy had expired. Nicholas had instructed the insurance agent not to renew the policy until a certain date, as the vessel was in a safe anchorage. But a cyclonic storm came unexpectedly. The crew were all absent—only the carpenters were on board, and they were helpless. So the “Dauntless” became a wreck.

“German Harry” sold the “Griffen” to Alec Matherson, who was fishing for trepang on the reefs off New Caledonia.

The Queensland Government prevented aboriginals being taken out beyond the Barrier Reef. Mahony and Carney, of Sudest, bought the “Griffen” and had her trading in Papuan waters. She finally sank, at anchor, near Kaivera Slip, near Samarai.

“German Harry” bought the “Hygeia,” and sold her later to W. Whitten. She was wrecked on the east end of Ferguson Island.

“German Harry” bought many boats in the northern parts of Australia and sailed them to Papuan waters and sold them there.

Trochus-shell was not of commercial value until after Nicholas Minister had retired from trading.

HARRY Williams and Jack Andersen were mates at the time of the Yodda rush. At Tamata, they made up their swags in Clune and Clarke’s “dead-house.” The storekeepers allowed each miner one carrier, to carry a load to the Yodda field. A man in C. and C.’s store accidentally fired off a rifle in the store. The bullet passed through the walls of the store and the “dead-house,” and through Harry Williams’s arm without breaking any bones, and stopped in a pillow under Fred. May’s head: he was reading, in a bunk. A few days later, on the road to the Yodda, another rifle was accidentally fired, and Harry Williams’ carrier was shot dead.

I had been sailing about Sudest waters several years before meeting “Mac.” He then was working with Neil Andersen, on the “Jane and Edith.”

Camp St., Toowong, Brisbane.

July, 1943.

Fiji Rubber

Production for New Zealand AS a result of consultations between the Governments of Fiji, United Kingdbm, Australia and New Zealand, it has been agreed that Fiji will export all its raw rubber to New Zealand.

The Dominion Ministry of Supply has appointed W. R. Carpenter & Co. (Fiji), Ltd., to act on its behalf as buying and shipping agents for this purpose.

Delivery will be taken at the Carpenter store in Suva, and all raw rubber of satisfactory quality will be paid for at the controlled prices of 2/3 and 1/9 per pound (Fiji currency) f.o.b. for sheet and scrap rubber respectively. Export tax and wharfage payable to the Customs will be deducted from these prices. All rubber delivered must be satisfactorilv packed.

It is hoped that these new export and purchase arrangements will stimulate production.

The export of Fiji rubber, once important, had fallen to 6.855 lb. in 1929 and 339 lb. in 1933. But. since then, all the old trees have been tapped. In the last recorded year, 1942, the production was 131,294 tons worth £1,761,055.

Suva Resident Weds

IN SYDNEY Lieut. J. Macgregor Dowsett, AIF, formerly of Rabaul, who has been ill, is now convalescent, in Queensland.

Mr. Wally Corden, formerly of Wau, NG, is at present a resident of Queensland.

Corporal Jack Baird, son of a wellknown Suva resident, who was with the AIF in Malaya, is officially reported a prisoner of war.

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Honson leaving St.

Philip’s Church, York Street, Sydney, after their wedding on September 25.

Mr. Honson met his bride, formerly Miss Betty Wong, of Maroubra, NSW, when they were returning by ship from Hongkong five years ago.

She was then a school-girl of 15 and, although they corresponded, they did not see each other again until Mr. Honson visited Sydney a few months ago. He is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. G. Honson, a very well-known Chinese family of Suva, Fiji. He was born in the Colony, was educated in China and New Zealand, and returned to join his parents in Suva in 1!)38. Mr. and Mrs. Honson expect to have a honeymoon in New Zealand before returning to Fiji. —Photograph by courtesy of the Sydney “Daily Telegraph.’’ 29 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY OCTOBER, 1943

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Bond's Industries Ltd.

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Bankers: Bank of New South Wales.

Mr. E. E. Eves, of Lami, Fiji, celebrated his 80th birthday on September 10. He has been 60 years in the Colony.

A Garden In Tahiti

Introduction of Melons, Citrus and Pineapples

By W. W. Bolton

I WRITE of a garden not of the present day, but in the Long Ago; not of flowers, but of the homely vegetable.

Those first white men and women *who arrived in Tahiti in 1797 and had taken up their residence at Matavai (Cook’s Point Venus) wanted green food other than the taro, yam and sweet potato of the natives. The time would come for roses and dahlias, for carnations and the rest that they loved, but had left behind.

Just now, it was green foods they needed, not alone for health, but to make more palateable the endless round of pork, the staple meat alone to be secured.

An orderly garden, with its trim beds set in rows, was unknown to Tahitians, and great was the interest shown by them at this fresh peculiarity of the newcomers. That interest, however, soon became more than a mental one, and those poor gardeners had a sorry time.

Let them speak for themselves. Their successes and their failures, their hopes and disappointments, their worries and their woes, are to be read of in their daily Journal; and surely should interest all who to-day find pleasure and, in measure, occupation, in nursing to maturity both seeds and fruits for their table.

The beginnings were over; five years of labour had passed. 1802. FEBRUARY: “Cabbages, melons, pumpkins and cucumbers we have had in great abundance. Several bushels of Indian corn have been gathered in. Many of the European vegetables will not come to perfection or produce seed. The vine and fig tree brought from Port Jackson are doing well. Potatoes are good for nothing.”

But, with November, comes another story. They chronicle:— “During the months of April, May and June all we had in the garden went to ruin in consequence of taking down the fences in the time of the late disturbances. Since the restoration of peace, the fences have been repaired and the garden digged and sown. Water melons have succeeded, but were destroyed by the natives, who are very fond of them and commit frequent depredations. Several pineapples are in a very thriving state.” 1803. FEBRUARY: “Though there has been much wet, yet it has not been a good season, through the heat of .the sun. In November were sown a few cabbages, mustard and turnip seeds, but they came to nothing. In December, sowed some Bengal radish seed; some succeeded. In January, sowed some Indian corn and French beans; these promise middling well. We have had some fine water melons and pumpkins.

The season for the former is over.” 1803.—MARCH 5: “Brother Scott brought from Oparre today a quantity of fine oranges. A tree there has had some hundreds of fruit on it this season, but the natives have not the patience till they are ripe. They do the same with pineapples and have even baked them in their ovens to make them more eatable.” 1803.— APRIL: “In the beginning of February, planted several pineapples, also a piece of ground with this country’s sweet potatoes, and two other pieces with the Sandwich Island and New Zealand sort. In March sowed some hundreds of orange seeds, also limes and citrons. The greatest part of our garden is planted with Indian corn, sweet potatoes, tarro, pumpkins, pineapples and above. The method used in the Sandwich Islands of multiplying cabbage by slips taken from the stock of the plant does not answer in our garden.” 1803. AUGUST: “The seed remaining from those of the cabbage and brocoli brought from Port Jackson, kept too long, did not germinate.

Removed some fig layers and put some cuttings of the grape vine in the ground; most of these are growing. Captain Simpson, having brought here from the Sandwich Islands some seeds of the papaya or paw paw tree, they were sown about November last. Most of the trees in blossom; the greater part seem to be of the male kind; all the flowers are falling off and no appearance of frjuit; on the few that seem to be female the fruit begins to form in the shape of a cucumber.” 1804. JULY: “Near two-thirds of our garden is now covered with sweet potatoes; but, the bread fruit being plentiful, we have not yet begun to dig them. Our apricot plants in blossom; some fruit appearing on the old trees.”. 1805. FEBRUARY: “In November last, the weather very dry, the afternoons uncommonly hot and scorching; yet our pumpkins prospered and the melons partly recovered the destruction by the caterpillars. Planted some peas, calavances and lentiles (Continued on Page 32) 30 OCTOBER, 1943 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

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References exchanged.

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On Parle Francais. 31 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY OCTOBER, 1943

After taking Pinkettes you should feel brighter, happier, and free from sick headaches, bilious attacks and liverishness. For PINKETTES are tiny laxative and liver pills, which painlessly exercise the digestive system.

Asthma, Bronchitis Coughing Curbed in 3 Minutes Do you have attacks of Asthma or Bronchitis so bad that you can’t sleep? Do you feel weak, unable to work, and have to be careful not to take cold and can’t eat certain foods?

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TENAX Genuinely Germicidal SOAP brought in the Spanish prize from the coast of Chile, but soon died. Several attempts were made to raise cucumbers, but without success. Through the whole of January mostly rain. Many of our papaya trees died through the excess of wet, the heat scalding their roots. Gathered a great many water melons, pumpkins and pineapples, notwithstanding the frequent depredations committed by the natives. We have of late not only had our garden much plundered, but also have had taken several pigs; likewise our goats are frequently destroyed by the dogs of the natives.” 1805.—MAY: “Several more of our papaya trees died through excess of wet. Gathered a great number of pineapples. Our melons all done bearing. We have to complain of the depredations committed by goats and hogs breaking in during the night, so that we enjoy but a small part of the fruit of our labours. Great quantities of melon and pumpkin seeds, with several hundreds of pineapple plants, have been given away to different parts of the island.” 1805.— OCTOBER 28: ; “Our garden was again robbed, but stealing from us is reckoned a matter of little consequence, and our losses afford the Otaheiteans a subject to laugh at.

Not so their own.”

AND so the story goes on, until that fatal year, 1808, when both gardeners and garden were wiped off the map of Tahiti.

Years later, a handful of those gardeners returned and once more that garden was laid out. When Ellis saw it (he of the “Reminiscences”) it was a wonderful orchard, rich in bearing; but that was its last bright day.

What was Tahiti’s first garden is a coconut plantation to-day. Oft has the writer walked over that site where the pioneer white gardeners “digged and sowed.” Their labour and their day are passed, but their gallant efforts are surely worth recall.

Death of Squadron- Leader Stan Baldie SQUADRON-LEADER Stanley Baldie, of the RAF, nephew of Mrs. Flo.

Stewart, of Wau, New Guinea, has been killed in India.

In 1936, the two cousins (Mrs. Stewart’s son, Moresby Gofton, and Mrs. Baldie’s son, Stanley) went off to England together, and together they joined the RAF. When war came,, they were trained and ready. They were among the young men who saved Britain from Hitler’s Huns in 1940 —those of whom Churchill said: “Never did so many owe so much to so few.”

Flying-Officer Gofton flew a bomber.

He was lost in air operations in May, 1940. Young Baldie became a fighter pilot—he was a member of the very famous No. 1 Squadron which was based in France early in the war. He survived numerous fights and innumerable perils, was promoted Squadron-Leader, and sent to India. Now he, too, is gone.

Stanley Baldie, in England, married a Scottish girl, and leaves an' infant daughter. His mother was in Germany when the war came; and recently she was reported in Stuttgart, and well. His brother, Dudley, at present is training in the RAAF.

Squadron-Leader Baldie. 32

October, 19 4 3 -Pacific Islands Monthly

(Continued from Page 30)

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Japan'S Air Strength In The Pacific

(From Our Special Representative) CANBERRA, Oct. 12.

IN despatch received from London by the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom (Sir Ronald Cross) particulars are given of the opposing forces in the Pacific war theatre.

It is estimated that Japan has some 4,000,000 men under arms, of whom between 750,000 and 1,000,000 are engaged in China and 500,000 are stationed on the Manchurian front. The rest are;— (1) Garrisoning the Japanese mainland and the occupied countries, e.g., Indochina, Malaya, Siam, NEI, Borneo, &c. (2) Fighting the forces of the United Nations on the defences of the outer perimeter. Some experts reckon that in the 12 months up to the capture of Lae on September 18 the Japanese lost 50,000 highly trained troops in the fighting in the islands.

SOME particularly interesting information relating to Japan’s air force is contained in the despatch, as follows: “Great secrecy surrounds the Japanese air arm, which is divided into two commands, under naval and military control, respectively. In the summer of 1941 an unofficial estimate gave the air strength as 1,667 army air force planes, with first-line strength 797, and 2,000 naval air force planes, with first-line strength of 1,000.

“Aircraft production in Japan is evidently high, in spite of losses. An overall estimate to the end of June, 1943, was above 4,000, and first-line strength is unofficially reckoned as 3,000 plus. According to US Rear-Admiral De Witt (21/9/43), who estimated Japanese plane production at 750 per month at least, they ‘show an ability to replace losses which is somewhat astounding.’

“In the South-west Pacific Japan has lost within the last 14 months important bases in (1) the Solomons, e.g., Guadalcanal and Munda on New Georgia; (2) Papua, e.g., Buna and Gona; (3) New Guinea, e.g., Salamaua and Lae. ‘‘Her air forces are still operating from bases in (1) Dutch New Guinea; (2) Rabaul, in New Britain, which has three airfields, Lakunai, Vunakanau and Rapopo; (3) the Shortland islands; (4) the Celebes, e.g., the airfields at Kendari and Macassar; (5) Timor.

“The large numbers of Japanese aircraft shot down in recent months (94 out of 120 over the Solomons on June 17, 48 in an air battle over Darwin on June 28, 300 during one week in August over Wewak airfield) show that Japan is still fully capable of further defensive and offensive action in this area.

“While Japan is fighting alone on a .shrinking defence line, the combination of the United Nations, unequalled in any other sphere—Britain, USA, the Dominions and the Allied countries —is steadily developing its war potential and increasingly gathering momentum.”

The medical officer at Apia Government Hospital, Dr. M. Neumann, has left Western Samoa after completing his three-year term with the Administration.

His experience, efficiency and unassuming and kind ways gained the confidence and goodwill of the people of the Territory, and his departure was greatly regretted.

He was an Austrian refugee, and had practised in Europe and in New Zealand before going to Samoa.

Fiji Girl Marries American

Major Edward C. D. Scherrer, of Shawnestown, Ill., USA, and his Fiji bride, formerly Miss Joyce Kearsley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Kearsley, of Suva. Captain at the time of his marriage, he was promoted for his part in the New Georgia campaign, when he was twice wounded. He was the first Allied soldier to land in the Munda area, and he also captured the first Jap officers’ sabre of the campaign, which was presented, according to custom, to Admiral Halsey. 33 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY— OCTOBER, 1943

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AUCKLAND

Island Traders Gr General Merchants

P.O. Box 1509. Cobles & Telegrams, "Kingdom", Auckland. mostly Indians, struck for considerably increased wages. The Government set up an Arbitration Tribunal to investigate and make an award.

On July 12, 1943, a Mr. Lakshman, who appears to be a leader of the Kisan Sangh, demanded the appointment of a Commission, to inquire into the price of cane sugar.

The Governor suggested the matter stand over until the Tribunal had dealt with the strike. But the Kisan Sangh said the matter was very urgent.

So, the Governor, at Lautoka, on July 19, met representatives of the Kisan Sangh, the Maha Sangh, and anyone else interested. The growers said their cane was not worth cutting, at ruling prices: and they wanted a Commission of inquiry.

The Governor pointed out that the price of cane depended on the price of sugar, and he could not increase the latter. But he would set up an inquiry into the conditions of cane-growing; and if—as he expected—there was a case for a higher price for cane, he would pass that information on to the Food Ministry in London. He promised that both bodies would be represented on the inquiry.

THAT same day, the Governor received a communication from still another body, the Rewa Cane-growers’

Union, It said its members definitely would not cut cane, and it demanded representation on the inquiry. One gathers that Rewa Union disliked both the Sanghs.

By this time the situation was becoming farcical. But the patient Governor, on July 21, duly set up a Commission, composed of the Attorney-General, Mr, H. H. Ragg, MLC, and Mr. Apabhai Patel; and the various growers’ organisations were invited to nominate persons from whom the Governor might appoint their representatives.

The organisations declined to nominate anyone.

On July 25, a deputation of these Indians, including those who previously had asked for a Commission, asked the Governor to cancel the Commission, and set up a Court of Arbitration.

The request, very properly, was flatly refused.

By this time, the Tribunal had made some progress in settling the labour strike at the mills: but the growers, with ever-increasing clamour, insisted that they were not going to cut cane.

THE Commission opened at Ba on July 27. The Kisan Sangh not appear. Two Indian lawyers, Mr.

Said Hasan and Mr. Sharma, appeared for the Rewa Union and the Maha Sangh, and said they would not proceed —they wanted a Court, whose award would be binding.

The Commission refused the request.

The Governor could not go beyond his promise of July 19 —that, if the growers made out a case before the Commission, he would present that case to London.

The growers refused to appear before the Commission, which, therefore, was closed down on August 3.

The mills strike had not ended. Additional police were sent to Ba and Lautoka. The Governor refused to discuss matters any further with the growers: if they were silly enough to let their cane rot, rather than cut it at the ruling price, while presenting a case for better rates, that was their affair —and their loss.

IT was then learned that 162 growers in the Ba district were prepared to cut cane, if given protection against possible violence.

Troops were sent accordingly to Ba.

Growers began cutting on July 30. By August 19, 443 growers were cutting cane in the Ba and Penang districts, and one mill was thus kept going.

Early in August, it was clear that Indian agitators were out among the cane-growers, trying to persuade them to cease cutting. The Governor acted promptly, under Defence Regulations, and two agitators were arrested and sentenced, Soon afterwards, half a dozen others were arrested and sentenced.

Being slick lawyers—or assisted by same—all these men appealed, and were released on bail. Clearly, the processes of law were being employed to defeat the interests of the Colony.

That was the position at the end of August; and there was little improvement a month later (at the end of September). There was no trouble on Vanua Levu, where the large Labasa mill is working; but there is only one mill operating on Viti Levu.

All the circumstances indicate that, although the Indians were together in a pack, trying to embarrass both the CSR and the Government, there was even greater trouble within the pack itself.

There appear to be a number of growers’ unions and agitators, who are fighting each other bitterly.

The Rev. Vernon Sherwin, well-known member of the Anglican Mission, had the honour of hoisting the Australian flag over Salamaua after it was re-captured by the Australians on September 12. 34 OCTOBER, 1943 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

The Fiji Indians

(Continued from Page 10)

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EVERYONE interested in Fiji must consider the future of the Colony, in the light of this deplorable situation.

The Empire is at war. Fiji is almost in the front line. Europeans and Fijians in the Colony, side by side, have offered to their country everything they have: their sacrifices have been great and glorious.

But these Fiji Indians, who everlastingly cry for all the privileges of Fiji citizenship, have not only made a most miserable contribution to Fiji’s war effort —they also appear to take a mischievous delight in embarrassing the Government at a most difficult time, and dislocating the Colony’s most important industry.

There is only one way in which these people should be treated: and it is to be hoped that the British authorities will not, too long, delay its application.

If the Indians will not accept the discipline for which their conduct cries aloud, the proposition that the whole 90,000 of them (or the proportion of them that has forfeited the right of residence in Fiji) should be returned to India.

This, at first glance, may seem a fantastic idea* But, is it? Why should the fine territory of Fiji—one of the best in the Pacific—be permanently harmed by the establishment of a community like this?

If it is considered cruel to return them to Indi#, why not transport them to one of the fertile, depopulated groups in the Pacific —the Marquesas, for example.

They would probably end by clawing each other to death, within ten years: but at least we could count on a quiet and decent future for Fiji.

No one, in all this, has much sympathy for the CSR. After all, the Co. brought these Indians to Fiji. As I have said, Indian immigration may have seemed a good idea, at the time; but, unless something really drastic is done within the next ten years, so that the Indians may be removed or controlled, Fiji will be a place unfit to live in.

The problem must be seriously tackled —not for the sake of the poor, suffering CSR or the badgered British, but because of the Fijian natives. Unless something is done to properly and permanently control the Indians, this fine Melanesian race is going to get a very raw deal.

CSR States its Case ON the last day of the sitting of the Commission of Inquiry, Sir Henry Scott, KC, counsel for the Colonial Sugar Refining Co., Ltd., made the following statement:— Before the Commission closes I desire to make a few observations on behalf of my clients: — (1) The company considers the refusal of the cane-growers to cut their cane is wholly unjustified, as the cane agreements between the growers and the company have a period of approximately 7 years to run. (2) There is a guaranteed minimum price for cane, no matter how low may be the price of sugar. (3) There is also provided an increased payment, above £ll per ton, which is shared by the company and the growers. The agreement has the effect of increasing the cane price paid by the company to the grower from 15/- per ton pre-war to about 21/- (estimated) per ton in 1943—i.e,, assuming the quality of the cane is normal, and assuming the cutting of cane starts at once and continues without interruption, and that sugar is sold at current market price. This represents to the grower about 40 per cent, increase. (4) The company cannot be held responsible for the increased cost of living. If the Colony needs imports (as it does—i.e., clothing, food, etc.), then exports (sugar) in return are essential. This is an added reason why the cutting of cane should proceed at all mills immediately.

In any event, the company should not be asked to bear the whole burden of the increased cost of living. (5) Continued refusal to cut cane by the growers would result, not only in loss, to the growers, of their crops, but would retard the war effort by presenting realisation of the Allies’ expectation that Fiji will supply sugar for the Pacific peoples, and back loading of ships for east-bound vessels. (6) This Colony requires Empire markets for sugar in times of plenty, and should reciprocate by meeting the Allies’ present requirements owing to war conditions. (7) The company views the “boycott” of the Commission by the growers as wholly unjustified, as there can, in the circumstances, be no room for doubt that the Kisan Sangh, through its President, asked for the appointment of the Commission—and now, having got the Commission appointed by His Excellency the Governor, and all the attendant expense having been incurred, counsel for the Rewa growers and the Kisan Sangh and the Maha Sangh refuse to co-operate. And it will be remembered that, at the opening of the Commission at Ba, the company agreed to give to the Commission every assistance, as I so stated. 35 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY OCTOBER, 1943

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In war-time, as in peace-time, Aunt Mary’s Baking Powder gives the same “even rising” results. Limited supplies are being released, as opportunity affords, so use your purchase sparingly while precious ingredients in Aunt Mary’s Baking Powder are difficult to obtain for normal requirements. • AUNT MARY’S SCONES are always a luxury treat when good friends meet to accept your hospitality.

Mbbuubbbsbssbbssbbbsbbbbsbsbbsbbbssssbsbbbsbbsbsbi :|lllllllllllll BSSSBBBSSBBSS: sauoa ssuinus ■riBUOUHU* A prisoner of war card, dated July, 1942, has been received from Mr. John Arnold Crockett, formerly of Bulolo, TNG.

His address is “Osaka Prisoner of War Camp, Kawasaki Sub-Camp, and he says that he is “in good health, well treated and well fed—mostly on rice.”

Sir Harry Luke A FORMER Governor'of Fiji and High Commissioner for the Western Pacific (Sir Harry Luke, KCMG) has been appointed to a newly-created post—Chief' Representative of the British Council in the Caribbean. In a private letter, he describes it as follows; “I will have for my sphere of activities Bermuda, and all the British West Indian Islands together with the British Colonies on the mainland, British Guiana and British Honduras. It will be pioneering work, with plenty of scope, and should be of absorbing interest.”

Fiji'S Honour Roll

THE following is a full list of the casualties suffered by the Fiji Forces up to September, 1943;

Fiji Military Forces

Died on Active Service 1939 Gnr. J. A. Jennings, Suva Bty,, FAR, 1942 Sgt. Edward Wilson, 1 Bn. FIR.

Pte, Wakelee Cakacaka, 3 Bn. FIR.

Pte. Joni Lulua, 1 Bn. FLC. 1943 Pte. Mosese Tuicolo, 1 Bn. FIR.

Pte. Kalivate Drunivau, FIC.

Pte. Rusiate Takalakovi, 1 Bn. FLC.

Pte. Joseva Renuku, 1 Bn. FLC.

Pte, Paula Moce, 2 Bn. FLC.

Pte. lowasa Matavatu, 2 Bn. FLC.

Fiji Royal Naval Volunteer

RESERVE Killed in Action Ordinary Seaman Savenaca Naulumatua.

Died on Active Service Ordinary Seaman Malvin Anthony Nilsen.

Missing Able Seaman Timo Puamau,

Fiji Military Forces

Killed in Action Pte. Simele Kutusavulevu.

Pte. Anare Vuruna.

Pte. Uraia Nataliga.

Died on Active Service Pte. Sailosi Ravatu Matalau.

Pte. Harry Levy.

Pte. Nacanieli Rusaleba, Wounded in Action Pte. Sirilo Dasi.

Pte. Emosi Daubitu.

Last Of The Pitcairners

117 HEN Mr. J. D. McComish, in a recent T 1 “PIM,” reported the death of “Aunt Selina” Buffett, on Norfolk Island, at the age of 87, he said that, unless Charles C. Vieder Young, of Pitcairn Island, was still alive, Mrs. Buffett was the very last of the 194 Pitcairn Islanders who were brought to Norfolk Island in 1856. Both Mr. McComish and the editor of the “PIM” overlooked the fact that Mr. Young had died on Pitcairn on May 31, 1941, aged about 91. “Aunt Selina,” therefore, actually was the last of the 1856 party. Soon after 1856, 43 of these people returned to Pitcairn Island, and C. C. V. Young was one of them.

New Cinema In Tahiti

TAHITI recently welcomed the opening of a new and modern cinema in Papeete. It is, owned by Baldwin Bambridge, a member of the well-known Tahiti family.

Seating approximately 600, the “Cine Baldwin” encompasses many modern features, and gives residents of Papeete a choice of two theatres. The other, the “Theatre Moderne,” is owned by Baldwin’s brother, Tony.

There are now four movie houses on Tahiti: one in Taravao, one in Papara, and two in Papeete. 36 OCTOBER, 1943 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

Restlessness and sleeplessness, when due to run-down nerves, frequently respond to treatment with Dr. Williams' Pink Pills.

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WASHINGTON, H. J., New Britain, planter.

WATCH, Dr. N. 8., Rabaul, medical practitioner.

P.O.W. in Japan.

WHITEHEAD, B. N., New Ireland, plantation manager.

WILKIN, W. M„ New Ireland, planter.

WILLIAMS, L. L., New Ireland, plantation manager., WILLMET, W., plantation assistant, Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

WILSON, H., New Britain, plantation manager.

WOODHOUSE, E., New Ireland, manager of plantation.

WOOLCOTT, L., Kavieng, manager of plantation.

YARRINGTON, W. M., Rabaul, (B.P, staff), clerk.

MISSIONARIES Anglican New Guinea Mission PAPUA REV. JAMES BENSON.

Missing, and reported killed.

The following members of the Mission, previously reported missing, are believed to have been murdered by the Japanese: Sister May Hayman, Miss Mavis Parkinson, Sister Margaret Brenchley, Miss Lilia Lashmar, Rev. Henry Holland, Rev. Vivian Redlich, Mr. John Duffile.

Melanesian Mission REV. JOHN BARGE, New Britain.

Missing—No information.

REV. B. W. F. MOORE, New Britain, Missing—No information.

Methodist Mission

New Guinea

REV. L. A. MCARTHUR, Malakuna.

P.O.W. letter received.

REV. W. L. I. LINGGOOD, Raluana.

P.O.W. letter received.

REV. W. D. OAKES, Pinilddu.

P.O.W. letter received.

REV. H. J. PEARSON, Vunairima.

P.O.W. letter received.

REV. J. W. POOLE, Bainings.

P.O.W. letter received.

REV. H. B. SHELTON, Ulu.

REV. T. N. SIMPSON, New Hanover.

P.O.W. letter received.

REV. J. TREVITT, Vunairima.

P.O.W. letter received.

MR. S. C. BEAZLEY, Malakuna.

P.O.W. letter received.

MR. E. W. PEARCE, Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received.

THOMAS MOW, Chinese teacher, Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received.

NURSE J. CHRISTOPHER, Malaboga.

P.O.W. letter received.

NURSE M. GREEN, Malaboga.

P.O.W. letter received.

NURSE D. BEALE, Stewart Hospital.

P.O.W. letter received.

NURSE D. E. WILSON, Stewart Hospital.

P.O.W. letter received.

MO PUI SAM, Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received.

Roman Catholic Missions It has not been possible to correct the lists in time for publication in this issue.

To the list published last December, we must now add the names of many missionaries who are missing on the Northern New Guinea coast, while other missionaries, who escaped from or were liberated in the Solomons are not now listed as missing. A list of missing Catholic missionaries will be published in our November issue.

It is reported from London that 25 Quakers—who are conscientious objectors —have volunteered for the roles of human guinea pigs and have been taking daily doses of a drug which may offer complete immunity from malaria. The efficacy of the drug will be tested soon, when they are bitten by malaria-infected mosquitoes.

Oscar Schwartz and other Euronesian lads from Salamaua, New Guinea, have been doing a good war job in Queensland, picking cotton and peanuts, and cane-cutting; and have been commended by the State authorities.

Fiji Producing Food For Armed Forces LOCALLY- GROWN fresh fruits and vegetables supplied to military forces in the Colony of Fiji amount to 6,316,723 lb, for the six months ended June 30, 1943.

These foodstuffs were produced mainly by small growers and the ordering, collection, bulking and delivery was arranged by the Field Division of the Fiji Denartment of Agriculture. About threequarters of the total, including most of the fruit and root vegetables, was grown in the wet zone of Viti Levu, and the balance in the dry zone. Kadavu and Beqa also supplied small quantities.

Fiiian. Indian and Chinese growers all contributed. Lack of transoort made it difficult for growers from outlving islands to assist in sunplynig these fresh foods, which are still not coming forward in sufficient quantities to meet the demand.

Fnimers in these islands, however, ere urged to grow kumalas, yams and maize for occasional delivery. 37

Missing In New Guinea

(Continued from Cover iii) PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY OCTOBER, 1943

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Garrett & Davidson

PTY. LTD. 834 George St., Sydney. Works: Surry Hills and Chippendale, N.S.W.

Official Assayers to the Bank of New South Wales. Gazetted Agents of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, under the Gold Regulations of the National Security Act.

War Time Cable Address: GOUGH CO., 1 BONDSTREET, SYDNEY.

Codes:

Suppliers Of General Merchandise To Leading Firms

Throughout The Pacific Islands

E. J. GOUGH & CO.

Bentley 2nd and Comp. Phrase, Acme, A.8.C., sth and 6th, Peterson, 2nd and 3rd, Banking. 1 BOND STREET, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

EXPORTERS . . . IMPORTERS . . . MANUFACTURERS' REPRESENTATIVES Telephone: B 4167.

BANKERS: Bank of N.S.W.

Comp toil National d’Escompte de Paris.

Bishop Who "Lived Like A Rabbit"

Inspiring Story of Dr. Boddeley, Who Refused to Leave the Solomons

By Harold Cooper

Outside this humble but airy abode (whose cool verandah you are likely to find crowded with American servicemen appreciatively devouring generous helpings of fruit salad, in the preparation of which His Lordship proudly specialises) there hangs a wooden plaque bearing the whimsical but defiant legend, “Bishop’s Court, 1942—?”

On the hill behind the “palace” you will see a cluster of leaf and thatch huts which were once, and will be again, the Mission’s Theological College for native priests. The principal of the College, the Rev. James Edwards, born in Walsall, and formerly curate of Marske-on-thesea, Yorkshire, is back in residence, although it will be some time before the students can be reassembled.

The Japanese left his house a wobbly skeleton, with neither a roof nor walls, but rows of tightly-sewn leaves now keep out the wind and rain, and, inside, Edwards is “very comfortable” with two canvas chairs and a camp-bed “borrowed from the Marines.”

Daily services are still held in the College’s tiny chapel, although many ornaments and vestments stolen by the Japanese have yet to be replaced.

Commanded A Battalion

rOSE who know Bishop Baddeley’s record in the last war (when he was awarded the DSO and MC and was for a time in command of a battalion of the East Surreys on the western front) will not be surprised to hear that the thought of ordering the evacuation of the Mission staff at the approach of the Japanese never crossed his mind: He was greatly relieved when the Administration also decided to remain, for. as he puts it. “I didn’t want to strike the word ‘British’ out of my postal address.”

His instructions to all the priests and lay workers in his diocese were: “Carry on. but evade capture.”

During the Jap occupation and for some time after the American counterinvasion had begun, it was impossible to obtain supplies of clothing and the Bishop, when making the circuit of his scattered parishes, had to take with him a native whose job it was “to sew the soles on my shoes again at various halts along the wayside.”

Looking Ahead

BUT the Bishop talks little of his experiences during those difficult months. His main preoccupation is with the future of the islands.

He believes that the present war will break down many old distinctions in the Empire, just as the last war narrowed the gulf between the classes in England.

He predicts, and eagerly awaits, a new era which will afford Colonial races vastly greater opportunities for advancement.

He has no doubt of the ability of the Solomon Islanders to take advantage of those opportunities, but he stresses the fact that the Protectorate cannot be expected to pull itself up by its own bootstraps.

“Its resources are too limited to meet the cost of even a bare minimum of administration, let alone ensure a modest level of prosperity. If we want these islands to stay red on the map—and it is the earnest desire of the natives that they should—we must be ready to pay for a new coat of paint.”

The Bishop urges a five-year plan for the islands, a feature of which would be an intensive campaign to instruct the natives in modern methods of agriculture and in the cultivation of crops able to provide a balanced diet for the ordinary villager—for he regards faulty nutrition as one of the gravest menaces to the health of the islanders.

He does not underrate the difficulties likely to be encountered in applying any ambitious scheme of economic and administrative reform in a territory where the population is so thinly spread and communications are so poor. But, he argues, the best way to reward the islanders for their faithful service to the British cause is by opening for them new avenues of enlightenment and progress. even if doing so will mean delving deeply into our pockets.

MEANWHILE, as he awaits the coming of this new era, the Bishop is doing what he can to speed the preliminary stages of reconstruction and, taking in his vigorous stride the obstacles with which the tempest of war has strewn his path, is putting into daily devoted practice the motto which appears on the back cover of his Diocesan magazine—“ The work of the church must go on.”

Five of his mission stations, whose tidy, lawn-fringed buildings and model plantations were the fruit of years of natient labour, now lie wholly or substantially in ruins, the Cathedral has been despoiled, the churches ravished of their beautiful shell-inlaid fonts, lecterns and altar crosses, fashioned bv the hands of native worshinpers as visible declarations of their faith. But the spiritual fabric of which these are the mere outward and transient garb is unbroken: for it was reared on foundations which will loneoutlast the already crumbling empire of the pagan hordes from the north.

Lieut. Lyn Brownlee, formerly a plantation manager for Carpenter & Co., in New Britain, is now in charge of an Army establishment in Central Queensland.

HUNDREDS of American soldiers and sailors who have served in the Solomons theatre of the war have cause to remember, with gratitude, the cheerful hospitality of the Bishop of Melanesia, the Right Reverend Walter Baddeley, who is now back at his mission headquarters on Florida Island after, in his own words, "living like a rabbit” on nearby Malaita during the months when the Japanese were unwelcome visitors in this southern part of his diocese.

His flag flies over what is probably the least pretentious episcopal palace in the world. It is a leaf hut erected by natives on the concrete foundations of the mission warehouse which, like all other buildings on the station, was left in ruins by the Japanese. 38 OCTOBER, 1943-PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

Call.

Wave Sign.

Time.

Length.

Frequency, VLR8. 6.30-10.15 a.m. 25.51 metres 11,760 M/cs.

VLR3. 12.00-6.15 p.m. 25.25 metres 11,880 M/cs.

VLB. 6.45-11.30 p.m. 31.32 metres 9,580 M/cs Power: 2 kilowatts.

Fine Standard oz £10/9/- oz £9/11/7 FIJI Emperor Mines ...

Loloma Mid-Aug. bll/bl9/3 bl/7»/ 2 Mid-Sept. bl2/6 Mid-Oct. bl2/6 Mt. Kasl b21/3 uo / b22/b2/uZ / ~

New Guinea

Bulolo G.D Enterprise of N.G.* Guinea Gold b58/9 bll/3 b8/bl/11 b3/9 b61/bl/OVa s5/- PAPUA b70/9 bl3/9 b76/bl5/hi n / N.G.G., Ltd uo / O b2/4 b3/7 s66/3 oiu/* b2/4 Oil Search Placer Dev b4/3 b66/3 bl/4 b6/- Sandy Creek Sunshine Gold ... bl/b5/- Cuthbert’s bll/3 s3/bl/2 b2/3 bl/3 bl2/b3/bl/2 b2/bl/5 bl2/ll b4/bl/4 b2/l bl/6 Mandated Alluvlals Orlomo Oil Papuan Aplnaipl .

Todda Goldfields .

Buying.

Selling. £ s. d. £ s. d.

Telegraphic transfer . .. 110 15 0 112 0 0 On demand .. 110 12 6 111 17 6 Buying.

Selling. £ s. d. £ s. d.

Telegraphic transfer — £125 10 0 On Demand £122 18 9 125 7 6 30 days 122 8 9 125 2 6 60 days 121 18 9 124 17 6 90 days 121 8 9 124 12 6 120 days 120 18 9 — London Price on— COPRA South Sea, Plantation, Sun-dried Hot-air Dried, to London Rabaul Per ton, c.i.f. Per ton. c.l.f.

January 1, 1932 . . £14 0 0 £14 15 0 June 17 . £13 2 6 £13 5 0 December 16 .. £14 2 6 £14 5 0 January 6, 1933 . . £13 0 0 £13 12 6 June 30 . £10 17 6 £11 0 0 December 1 . . £$ 12 6 £9 0 0 January 5, , 1934 .. , £8 0 0 £8 7 6 June 15 . £8 0 0 £8 12 6 December 28 .. £9 0 0 £9 12 6 January 4, , 1935 £9 5 0 £10 5 0 June 7 .. £11 15 0 £12 7 6 December 6 .. £12 17 6 £14 0 0 South Sea South Sea Plantation Smoked to Genoa Sun-dried Hot-air Dried London and Marseilles, to London.

Rabaul.

Price on— Per ton, c.l.f. Per ton, c.i.f. Per ton, c.l.f.

Jan. 3, ’36 £13 2 6 £13 15 0 £14 0 0 Mar. 6 . . £11 15 0 £12 15 0 £13 0 0 June 5 . £11 10 0 £12 0 0 £12 17 0 Sept. 4 . £13 2 6 £13 10 0 £14 12 6 Dec. 4 . £19 7 6 £19 7 6 £20 7 6 Jan. 8, '37 £22 12 6 £22 12 6 £22 12 S Mar. 5 . £19 0 0 £19 5 0 £20 0 0 June 4 . £15 15 0 £15 12 6 £16 12 6 Sept. 3 . £13 5 0 £13 5 0 £14 0 0 Dec, 3 . £12 10 0 £12 12 6 £13 7 # Jan. 7, '38 £12 12 6 £12 15 0. £13 12 6 Mar. 4 . £10 17 6 £11 0 0 £12 0 0 June 3 £9 15 0 £9 15 0 £10 12 « Sept. 2 . £9 10 0 £9 10 0 £10 10 0 Dec. 2 £9 5 0 £9 5 0 £10 2 6 Jan. 6, '39 £9 12 6 £9 15 0 £10 10 6 Feb. 3 . £9 10 0 £9 12 6 £10 10 0 Mar. 3 . £10 0 0 £10 2 6 £11 0 0 Apr. 6 . £9 12 6 £9 15 0 £16 12 6 May 5 . £10 0 0 £10 5 0 £11 0 0 June 2 . £10 7 6 £10 10 0 £11 7 6 July 7 . £9 2 6 £9 7 6 £10 5 0 Aug. 4 . £9 2 6 £9 5 0 £10 5 0 Sept. 1 £9 10 0 £9 12 6 £10 12 6 RUBBER Plantation London Para.

Smoked.

Price on— per lb. per lb.

January 6, 1933 4 3 Ad ., . 2.43d July 7 3.71d December 8 .. . 4.0 5 /ad January 5, 1934 , 4‘Ad ., 4.28d July 6 7.06d December 28 ,. . 5d .. 6‘Ad January 4, 1935 . 6%d July 5 7 7 /ad December 6 .. . 6%<S January 3, 1936 . 6 3 /ad June 5 9d .. 7‘Ad December 4 .. . 1/- .. 9 l-16d January 8, 1937 . 1/2 .. 10‘/ad June 4 lid .. 9 9 /ad December 3 .. . . >. .. . . 7‘Ad .. 7‘/ad January 7, 1938 . . 7‘Ad .. 7d July 1 . 6 3 Ad .. 7‘Ad December 2 .. . . 7‘Ad .. 8d January 6, 1939 . 7d . . 8 ‘/ad July 7 . 7%d . . 8‘Ad December 1 .. . 12d .. 11‘Ad January 5, 1940 . 13d .. 11.6 7 /ad July 5 . 15d .. 12 3 Ad December 6 .. .. 13d .. 12d January 3, 1941 . 13d .. 12.47 7 /ad February 7 .. .. 13d .. 12.5 5 /ad March 7 15d .. 13 5 /ad April 4 15d .. 14‘/ad May 2 . 16‘Ad .. 14.0%d June 6 . 16Vad .. 13.5 s /ad July 4 17d .. 13 7-16d August 1 17d .. 13‘Ad September 5 . . . . (No quote) ISYad October 6 . . 13 11-lCd October 10—Price officially fixed at .. 13%d Australian Short Wave Broadcast AN Australian radio programme is broadcast daily on short wave from Lyndhurst (Victoria) for listeners in the Western Pacific:— Times given are Australian Eastern Standard Time (10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time).

WEEK DAYS.—a.m.: 6.30, Essential Services; 6.45, News; 7.10, Music; 7.45, News; 9, Music; p.m.: 12.30, News; 1, Music; 1.25. Stock Exchange Report; 1.30, News; 1.50, Music; 3.30, Talk; 3.45, Music; 4.15, BBC News; 4.30, Music; 5.30, Children’s Session; 6.45, Music; 7, News; 7.30, Essential Services; 8, Music and Evening Programme: 10.15, News; 10.30, Music; 11.20, Late News; 11.30, Close.

SUNDAYS.—a.m.: 6.45, News; 7, Music; 8.45, Handyman’s Session: 9. News; 9.15, Field Unit Recording; 10.45, Church Service; p.m.: 12.15, Music, 12.50, News; 1.10, Music; 2, Talk; 2.15, Music; 2.30, BBC Feature; 2.45, Music; 4.15, BBC News; 4.45, Music; 6.15, This Week in Sport; 7, News; 7.15, Command Performance; 8, Play; 9, Talk; 10, Music; 10.15, News; 10.23, Music;

Price Of Gold

Fiji Buying Prices

Suva, Sept. 21 nPHE following, taken from the “Fiji Times,” •*. shows the prices current in Suva on the date mentioned. The prices, of course, are given in Fiji currency, which is 12% per cent, below sterling, and 12% per cent, above Australian.

Copra, first grade, per ton ~ .. £l6/12/6 Copra, second grade, per ton .. .. £l5/12/6 Coconut Charcoal, per ton £l2 Copra Sacks, per doz. in bale lots* !! 30/- Each 2/7 Trochus Shell, per ton ..” £7O Kerosene, per tin (4 gallon) .. .. ” 15/1 Per case 1 gallon tin 3/11 Flour, per sack 25/9 Flour, 5 lb ‘ 1/.

Sharps/ per sack .. .. .! . * ’’ *’ ” " 20/4% Sharps, 5 lb ’ ■>/ Barbed Wire £3l Pearl Shell, per ton £l4 Beche-de-mer (best quality) about* lb! *.*, 6d Bech-de-mer (raw fish) about 1 lb. . , 4d Turtle Hooves, per lb 3d t Quotations For Mining Shares

Islands Produce

TROCHUS shell sales are reported at £lOB per ton, an increase of £5. Vanilla beans are lower at 15/6 per lb. (c. & f., Aust. currency).

Whilst there has been no change in N. Hebrides or N. Caledonian coffee beans, “Mysore” has risen sharply to £240 per ton (c. & f. Sydney).

Processed coconut fibre from Ceylon is quoted at £5O per ton, in store Sydney. It is being used successfully as a substitute for Javanese kapok, large stocks of which are reported held in Australia under a Government “freezing”

Order, but none is being released for civil use.

The following nominal quotations were obtained in mid-October: — COCOA New Hebrides: £6B (in store,Sydney).

Accra: £7O (in store, Sydney).

New Guinea cocoa beans: No quotations.

Western Samoa: Last sale reported, Ist quality, £BO (f.0.b., Apia).

COFFEE No purchases are now permitted without the consent of the Tea and Coffee Control Board, to whom all offers must first be submitted.

Nominal quotations as follows: New Caledonian: Arabica, £Bl per ton (c.i.f.

Sydney). Robusta, £63 per ton (c.i.f. Sydney).

New Hebrides: Robusta, £63 per ton (c.i.f.

Sydney).

Mysore: £240 (c. & f. Sydney).

New Guinea and Papuan: No firm quotations available.

Java: No quotations.

Vanilla Beans

White Label: 15/6 per lb., c. & f. Sydney (Aust. currency).

KAPOK Market for Javanese kapok has been suspended.

Indian kapok is being quoted for indent at 1/6 per lb. c.i.f. stg.

COTTON Government controlled. Stocks being made available to manufacturers at following rates; — For spinning and weaving yarns, 14%d. per lb.; cordage making, ll%d. per lb.; condenser yarn, 12d. per lb.

Ivory Nuts

No firm quotations available.

Trochus Shell

F.a.q., £lOB per ton, in store, Sydney.

RICE No quotations,

Green Snail Shell

F.a.q., £lO3 per ton, in store, Sydney.

Pearl Shell

Government-controlled price:— “B” Class, £2OO per ton. “C” Class, £l9O per ton. "D” Class, £135 per ton.

Exchange Rates THE following exchange quotations show the rates existing in Sydney in mid-July:— FIJI Through Bank of NSW and Bank of New Zealand:—Australia on Fiji on basis of £lOO Fiji: Buying, £Alll/2/6; selling, £AII3. FIJI- - on basis of £lOO London: —

Western Samoa

Through Bank of New Zealand:— Australia on Western Samoa on basis of £lOO Samoa: Buying, £ A99/12/6; selling. £AIOO/2/6. Samoa on London on basis of £lOO in London:—

New Guinea And Papua

Only nominal at present,

Free French Pacific Colonies

Buying, 140; selling, 143; francs to Aust. £.

Market Quotations Sept, B.—Not quoted—outbreak of war.

Sept. 15 to 29.—Not quoted.

Oct. 6 . . £ll 15 0 [unquoted] £l2 15 0 Oct. 12.—Fixed price based on £l2/7/6 per ton, c.i.f., London, for plantation hot-air dried.

Jan. 8, 1940, to April 20, 1940.—Fixed price for plantation hot-air dried, £l3/5/- per ton, c.i.f., London.

April 20, 1940.—Fixed price for plantation hotair dried, £l2/17/6 per ton, c.i.f., London.

On February 18, 1942, Fiji and Tonga copra, Ist grade, was fixed at £lB per ton (Fijian), f.0.b.; and in July: Plantation Grade, £lB/5/-; Pair Merchantable Sun-dried, £18; and Undergrade, £l7/15/-. The values are stated in Fijian currency. To get Australian or New Zealand values, add 12% per cent.; sterling values, deduct 12% per cent.

Since April, 1942, unofficial quotations in Sydney have been around £24 (Aust.) per ton, c.i.f., Sydney. 39 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY OCTOBER, 1943

Paul A. Dorn

Agent, Wants Copies PACIFIC

Islands Monthly

All Issues

Will Buy, Or Exchange For

ANY AMERICAN MAGAZINES.

Commissions Accepted for Pacific Islands Products. .Correspondence Invited.

BOX 1712, Wilshire-La Brea Station, Los Angeles 36, California, U.S.A.

Itching Skin Germs Killed in 3 Days Thanks to the discovery of an American physician, it is now possible to kill and remove the true cause of most skin troubles. Your skin has nearly 50 million tiny seams and pores where invisible germs and parasites can hide, and which are the true cause of terrible Itching, Cracking, Peeling, Burning, Ringworm, Acne, Psoriasis, Blackheads, Pimples, Foot Itch and other disfiguring blemishes.

Blemishes such as these make you look and feel embarrassed, unattractive and handicapped in life, both socially and in business. You can’t get rid of these disfigurements with ordinary treatments, which give only temporary relief, because they do not kill the germs or parasites responsible for your trouble, .

New Discovery Kills Cause Former skin sufferers throughout the world are now praising Nixoderm, the discovery of a leading American skin specialist. This remarkable new preparation quickly penetrates into the pores of the skin and kills the germs and parasites responsible for your trouble in 7 minutes, stopping the itch almost instantly. At the same time, this wonderful preparation acts as a tonic and skin food, so that as the cause of your trouble is removed, your skin becomes soft, smooth and clear. This clear, healthy complexion will give you new charm and make it easy to win friends.

Praised by Doctors Dr. T. A. Ellis, well-known physician of Toronto, Canada, recently stated: “Skin disorders caused by parasites, as many are, yield to Nixoderm. These parasites are invisible to the naked eye. They eat away the skin, forming ugly eruptions. Ordinary ointments or remedies fail completely, or give only temporary results because they do not reach the cause of the condition. It is this value about Nixoderm in attacking parasites which impresses me most favorably, and explains in large measure the success it enjoys over many stubborn cases.”

Guaranteed Results Get Nixoderm to-day. Put it to the test. In a few minutes you will find that the Itching has stopped, and in 24 hours you can see for yourself that your skin is clearer. And it is guaranteed that, within one week, Nixoderm must make your skin soft, clear, smooth and attractive or money back on return of empty package. Get Nixoderm from your chemist or store to-day. The guarantee protects you. So don’t delay. Get Nixoderm to-day.

Nixoderm u- & 4/- For Skin Sores, Pimples and Itch.

Gauguin'S Story

As Re-told by Somerset Maugham BASED on the life of Gauguin, the French painter, W. Somerset Maugham’s best-seller, “Moon and Sixpence,” follows in the artist’s wake from Paris to Papeete. Since Paul Gauguin’s true biography is quite unpublishable, the Maugham opus will probably stand the test of time as the “next best thing.” A film version of “Moon and Sixpence” is at present running in Australian theatres.

Mr. Maugham arrived in Tahiti irv 1916, when he was 53, and engaged a room at the Hotel Tiare. The establishment was then under the sway of Lovina —whom the author introduces into his story as “Tiare Johnson.” History tells that the author did not enter the hectic Island night-life of the period—but drank interminable cups of cuffee and played interminable games of chess on the hotel verandah.

Maugham calls his central figure in “Moon and Sixpence” “Charles Strickland” and makes of him not a Frenchman, but an Englishman who, until close on middle-age, lived an ordinary, dull, conventional life. He then decided that he must paint—-although he has hitherto done nothing of the sorte-and proceeds to Paris to put the idea into action. Later he goes to Tahiti where Maugham diverts him from the eccentricities of Gauguin, whose bizarre carvings and peculiar attitude towards religion were too raw for subject matter, although they are still a subject for discussion in Oceania. While Gauguin affronted everybody and everything that crossed his path, Strickland engages only the fair sex.

At the period when “Strickland” was a figure in London society, in the 90’s, Gauguin was painting rural and coastal Flemish scenes. The French artist arrived at Papeete in 1893, wearing a Tyrolese hat and a large green cravat.

He sought the simplicity of a desert island of Captain Cook’s time—or, in other words, literally hoped to buy the moon for sixpence!

He declared that his arrival was a hundred years too late, and the discovery soured him. The story of Gauguin’s departure for the Marquesas, a thousand miles north, does not come into Mr.

Maugham’s story at all. It was there the French artist found a girl who, for a bag of lollies, was willing to pose as a beauty of a century before, and it was there he painted many of his high-priced canvases.

Eventually the French Colonial Government decided to recognise Gauguin’s ability and confer an honour upon him.

Two officials approached him with the courteous suggestion that he should visit Government House and paint a portrait of the Governor, M. Lazerade, from Martinique, and of African ancestry.

Gauguin’s reply made history. He regretted he was a painter of life, but could not undertake to paint animals! It took French officialdom some time to recover from the shock.

Gauguin’s famous self-portrait was in the possesion of his Euronesian son Emile at the time Gauguin’s house was burnt, and although it survived the fire, the improvident native traded the portrait for a keg of rum. It was afterwards re-sold for about £3,400!

After the artist’s death, the value of his paintings increased to astronomical proportions: “Nevermore” fetched 80,000 dollars and “Where are they gone, why are we here, where are we going?”, 100,000 dollars. Spurred on by infuriated missionaries, the superstitious natives burnt the artist’s house to destroy its evil spirits, and with the blaze went his carvings and paintings also. It was then the value of them was established. There was an ardent and frantic search, but it was too late: apart from the self-portrait, there were no more “Gauguins” to be found. Some of the world’s best paintings were lost in that regrettable act.

EDWARD C. SNOW.

Dawn Dream in Rationed Fiji {By “R>” with sincere apologies to Edgar Allen Poe ) On a morning, dim and dreary, I staggered tired and weary, Down the dawn-enlightened street.

Suddenly I heard a-soaring A sound, like lions roaring, Roaring for their meat.

Such a sound, ’twould pity waken In hell’s dead souls forsaken— It echoed down the street.

Then I saw the crowd a-prying Through the closed shop-doors, and crying: “Butcher, Butcher, give us meat!”

The butcher shouted, surly, Above t£e hurly-burly, “Serve I none who wait without!

Patricians seek my favours— I’ve no time to waste meat’s flavours On the common herd’s rude snout.”

As the wind-mad sea-surf crashes That crowd through portals smashes, Crowned the butcher with his axe; Skewered his tripes with his own skewers, Poured his blood down his own sewers.

Great amusement . . . free of tax!

I thought: justice most poetic— If a trifle too emetic.

But—from Butcher came forth meat.

Each hungry one now trundles Pot-ward his reeking bundles, Down the sympathetic street.

A Self-Portrait, by Paul Gauguin. 40 OCTOBER, 194 3 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY Published by PACIFIC PUBLICATIONS PTY. LTD., Union House, 247 George Street, Sydney. (Telephone: BW 5037). Wholly set up and printed In Australia by the Sydney and Melbourne Publishing Co. Pty. Ltd., 29 Alberta Street, Sydney. (Telephone; MA 7101).

BERRIMAN, R. A., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

BIGNELL, K. (Mrs.), Kokopo, planter.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

BISCHOFF, H. R., Rabaul.

Reported safe.

BISCHOFF, G., Rabaul.

BOX, W. C., Kavieng, planter.

BRAIN, R. M., Rabaul.

BRENNAN, C., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

BRYEN, FRANK, clerk, Rabaul.

Believed safe.

BUNNY, J., New Britain, planter.

BYE, E. C., Rabaul, ship captain.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

CARLYSLE, L., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

CANNON, C. F., Rabaul, chief engineer on S.S. “Duranbah.”

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

CARSON, L.. Rabaul, planter.

CHADDERTON, C., Kavieng, planter.

CLARK, R. L., Rabaul, manager of Bay Loo Co.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

CLUNN, C., New Britain, storeman.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

COBB, F., New Ireland, plantation manager.

COG AN, T, Rabaul.

CONSTERDINE, F., New Ireland, plantation manager.

COOK, R. E., Rabaul, accountant.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

COOTE, P., Rabaul, manager for Burns, Philp & Co.

Believed safe.

CROCKETT, —., New Britain.

DAVIES, L., New Ireland.

DIX, L. S., Rabaul, accountant.

DOCKRILL, W., Rabaul, poultry farmer.

DODD, H., Rabaul, accountant.

P.O.W. letter received. Well, DOWNS, J., Rabaul, also known as John Clark.

DOYLE, H. G., Kavieng, plantation manager.

DOYLE, N., Rabaul, owner of aerated waters factory.

DRANE, C., Rabaul, Vacuum Oil Co.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

DUUS, W. L., Rabaul.

EARL, R. 8., Rabaul, planter.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

EBERY, T, Bougainville, plantation manager.

Believed killed.

EDWARDS. J. H., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

ELKINGTON, H. C., planter, N. Britain.

EINSIEDEL, E. R., Rabaul, clerk.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

ELLIS, J. H., Rabaul, electrician.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

EVANS,. W. J., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

EVENSEN, A., New Britain, manager of Pondo Industries.

FLORANCE, V., Rabaul, solicitor.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

FULTON, H., New Britain.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

FURLONG, L., New Ireland, plantation manager.

GARNETT, W. P. S., Kavieng, planter.

GARRETT, T, Kokopo, planter.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

GASCOIGNE, C. J., Rabaul, auctioneer.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

GASCOIGNE, I. N., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

GOODWYN, H. R„ Rabaul, accountant.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

GORDON, L. H., New Ireland, planter.

GOSS, T, Rabaul, planter, GREEN, A., New Britain, plantation manager.

GREENWOOD, P. 0., New Britain, planter and trader.

Believed safe.

GREENWOOD, W., Kokopo, plantation manager.

GRIFFIN, P., Kavieng.

Reported to be P.O.W.

GRUNDY, M. C., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter‘received. Well.

HAMILTON, J. E., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

HAMILTON, L., New Britain, planter.

HANSEN, J., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

HARVEY, A. (and wife and son), New Britain, planter.

HELM, H. R., Kieta, plantation manager.

HEMMING, R., New Ireland, plantation manager.

HERKET, T. H,, New Britain, inspector, P.O.W. letter received. Well.

HERON, W. L., Rabaul, planter.

HERRON, G., Rabaul, Commonwealth Bank staff.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

HOLDEN, H., Rabaul, timber worker.

HOLLAND, H. D., Rabaul, manager for Amalgamated Wireless, Ltd.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

HOOGERWERFF, J., Rabaul, Rabaul Printing Works.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

HOPKINS, E. R., Rabaul, Rabaul Carrying Co.

P.O.W. letter received. Well, HOUGHTON, C., plantation manager, New Britain.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

IVES, N., New Ireland, plantation manager.

JERVIS, A., Nissan Island, Kieta, plantation manager.

JOHNSON, A., Rabaul (B.P. staff), mechanic.

KENNEDY, R. L., Rabaul, theatre manager.

KILNER, C. J., Rabaul.

P.O.W. in Japan.

KORN, W., New Britain, employed on plantation. Believed safe.

KYLLERT, P. L., planter, New Britain.

LAMPTON, R., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

LEDGER, W. A., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

LEVY, P. M., Kavieng, store manager.

LEVIEN, J., New Britain, manager for Burns, Philp & Co.

Reported to be P.O.W.

LIGHTBODY, L., New Ireland, plantation manager.

MACADAM, E. G., Rabaul, accountant.

Believed s£tfe MACKELLAR, C., Kavien, plantation owner.

MACLEAN, C. H. R., Rabaul.

Believed safe.

MACLEAN, C. 1., Rabaul, dental surgeon, P.O.W. letter received. Well.

MACPHERSON, R., Kavieng, accountant.

MERNIN, T. P., New Ireland, manager of plantation.

MERRELL, A., New Ireland.

MILLER, E. R., Kavieng, planter.

MILLINGTON, 8., Rabaul, plantation manager.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

MOORE, R. K. P„ Kokopo, planter.

MOSELEY, A., New Ireland.

MUGGLETON, H. A., Rabaul, timber cutter.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

MULLIGAN, J., baker, Rabaul.

MUNSTER, C. P., Manus, planter and cf McLAUGHLAN, W. (B.P. staff).

Reported to have died.

McCULLOCH, D., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

McEVOY, J. T, Kavieng, planter.

Reported killed. Unconfirmed.

McEWAN, W. F., New Britain.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

McKECHNIE, G., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

McLaren, T. W., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

McSHEANE, GEO., butcher. Rabaul.

NAESS, G., New Britain, planter.

Reported to be P.O.W.

NUNAN, C., sawmiller, N. Britain.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

OATEN, F. E., New Ireland, planter.

O'DWYER, N. A., New Britain, planter.

Believed safe.

OLANDER, 8., New Britain, plantation manager.

ORMOND, J. L., New Ireland.

PAGE, C. L., New Ireland, manager of plantation.

PARKER, W., New Britain, plantation manager.

PARKINSON, Mrs. PHOEBE, New Ireland.

PEARCE, REV. E. W., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

PHILLPOT, W. H., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

PINCHING, E„ Rabaul, manager.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

PINNOCK, N., New Ireland, manager of plantation.

PLUNKETT, T. M., Rabaul.

PRATT, V. A., Kokopo, planter.

Believed safe.

RAFF, G. S., Rabaul, Commonwealth Bank staff.

RAND. D. W. L., Rabaul, planter.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

READ, E. C., New Britain, dairy farmer.

RENTON, A., Rabaul, sheet metal worker.

P.OW. letter received. Well.

REYNOLDS, R. W., Rabaul, Commonwealth Bank staff.

P.OW. letter received. Well.

ROSS, H. J., Rabaul, accountant.

P.OW. letter received. Well.

RYAN, W. F., New Britain.

SAUNDERS, F. V., Kavieng, planter and trader.

Believed safe.

SAWKINS, A., Kavieng, plantation manager, SCOTT, H., New Britain, plantation manager.

SEDGERS, J. C., Rabaul, plantation inspector.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

SETCHELL, W. P., Kokopo, plantation manager.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

SHEBLER, A., Rabaul, chemist.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

SMITH, A. A., planter, N. Britain.

Believed safe.

SMITH, T., Rabaul, planter.

SPENSLEY, W. G., manager, Rabaul.

Believed safe.

STEPHEN, R. J., Rabaul, hardware manager.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

STEWART, A., Rabaul, clerk.

SWEETAPPLE, B. A., Kokopo, plantation manager.

Believed to have been drowned.

SYMES, H. H. C., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

TAIT, R. E., Rabaul, clerk.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

TALMADGE, J., New Ireland, planter.

TAIT. 1., Kavieng, branch manager for W. R. Carpenter & Co.

TAYLOR, G„ Kieta.

THOMAS, G., Rabaul, editor of “Rabaul Times.”

Reported safe in September, 1942.

THOMPSON, T., Rabaul, accountant.

TOPAL, H. J., and son, New Ireland, employed by W. R. Carpenter & Co.

TREVITT, REV. J. W., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

TRITTON, A. J., Rabaul, Commonwealth IBd.i'ik stci ff TUPLING, WILLIAM, Mainland, planter.

Reported well in July, 1942.

TYNAN, J., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

VINEN, E. H., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well.

WALLACE, T. V., Rabaul.

P.O.W. letter received. Well. (Continued on Page 37) OCTOBER, 1943 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY Missing Residents of New Guinea (Continued from Cover ii.)

. ; CMPtHTIH mm - WOK. mmm iliiil . ■■ mt ~r M i s Travel by CARPENTER AIRLINES Full particulars from Macdonald, Hamilton & Co., or Howard Smith Ltd., Sydney.

W. R. CARPENTER & CO. LTD.

Merchants, Shipowners And Aircraft Operators

Agents for Australian, European and American Manufacturers, and Distributors of Every Description of Merchandise.

Buyers and Shippers of Copra, Trocas, and all Classes of Islands Produce. • AGENTS FOR: Caterpillar Tractors. Dodge Brothers Inc.

Electrolux Refrigerators. Westinghouse Electrical Co. etc., etc.

Branches throughout the Pacific Islands Ford Motor Company of Canada.

T. G. & C. Bolinders (Engines).

In London: W. R. Carpenter & Co. (London) Ltd., Coronation House, 4 Lloyds Avenue, London, EC.

Head Office: 16 O’CONNELL STREET, SYDNEY PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY OCTOBER, 1943