PACIFIC ISLANDS Monthly December, 1949 Vol. XX. No. 5.

Established 1980. {Registered at the G.P.0., Sydney, for tranmm&nbypostas a newspaper ] - ———— Calm lagoon and graceful palms—typical of a thousand such scenes to be found in Polynesia. This photograph was taken by a member of the crew of one of the NZ Navy ships that cruised in Polynesian waters earlier this year.

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Representatives for the Pacific Islands:

Robert Gillespie Pty. Ltd

540 PITT STREET, SYDNEY

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SUVA

For Fiji Islands

1 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

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Merchants Supplies

143-145 QUEEN STREET, BRISBANE, Q'LD. 2 DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

Let ONE Man— —do the work of Two! *r : fSjgj3 (832 . . . with a “HARGAN’S” (Patented) Mobile Saw Outfit Suitable for farm and station use, because of the many jobs it can perform, the “Hargan’s”

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SOLE AGENTS : DANGAR, GEDYE & MALLOCH LTD.

10 Young Street, Sydney

Telephone 8U5095. Code Address “DANGAES. 1 index to Advertisers Achun, Gabriel . . 91 Alois Akun & Co. ...73 Aluminium Union 34 Amplion (A/sia) . 37 “Aspaxadrene” . 88 Australian Interstate Agencies, 30, 59 Baker, W. Jno.

Pty., Ltd. ... 45 Bank of NSW . . 23 Bethell, Gwyn & Co 78 Blaxland Rae Pty. 103 Blundell, Spence . 58 Bovril 85 Breden, Wynne S. 25 Broomfields, Ltd. . 42 Brown, Thomas & Sons, Ltd. ... 33 Brunton & Co., Ltd. 89 Budge, James, Ltd. 65 Bunting, A. H.

Ltd 84 Burns Philp (NG) . 57 Burns Philp (NH) . 34 Burns Philp (SS) 29 Burns Philp Trust . 95 Caine’s Studios 31 Carpenter, W. R. & Co., Ltd. 44, cov. iv.

Carpenter, W. R. (Fiji), Ltd., . . 47 Carrlock Co., Ltd. 62 “Charmosan” 24 Classified Advertisements 103 Colonial Meat Co. 32 Colyer Watson (NG) Ltd. ... 16, 71 Crammond Radio . 96 Cunningham. R. H. & Co 22 “Cystex” .... 77 Dangar, Gedye & Malloch, Ltd. . . 3 Davison Paints, Ltd. 65 Donaghy, M., & Sons Pty., Ltd. . 37 Donald, A. 8.. Ltd. (Auckland) .... 67 Donald, A. 8., Ltd., (Rarotonga) ... 61 Dunlop Rubber, Ltd 94 Electrolux .... 44 Etablissements Donald (Tahiti) 69 Export Soap Mfg.

Co .83 “Flit” . . . . ; 17 Ford Sherington Ltd 73 Garrett, Davidson & Matthey Pty., Ltd 104 Garrick Hotel . . 46 Gilbey, W. & A.

Ltd 60 Gillespie Bros.. Ltd. 62 Gillespie, Robert Pty., Ltd. . . .1, 86 Gillespie, Robert (NG), Ltd. . 35, 97 Gordon’s Gin ... 82 Gough & Co., E. J. 24 Grand Pacific Hotel 4 Gregory, A., Pty., Ltd 66 Grove & Sons, W.

H., Ltd 77 Halvorsen Lars, Sons Pty., Ltd. . 78 Hardman & Hall 16 Heinz & Co. Pty., Ltd 21 Hemingway & Robertson Ltd. . . 74 Herco Pty., Ltd. . 38 Hoover, Francis . . 93 Horlicks Pty., Ltd. 63 International Trading Co. Pty.. Ltd. 86 Johnson, J. Stanley Pty. Ltd 100 Kasper Refrigertors Pty.. Ltd., 36, 90 Kennedy, Captain . 30 Kerr Bros. Pty., Ltd 79, 103 Kolynos, Inc. ... 31 Kopsen, W. & Co. 75 Kosak, Robert . . 74 Kraft Walker Cheese Co. Pty., Ltd 98 Kui, George ... 87 Kwong Chong Bros. 79 Maclntyre, Thomas & Co., Ltd. ... 70 Mail Publicity Co. (Books) . . . . 18, 61 Maloney, N. F., & Co 38 Mcllrath’s Pty., Ltd. 93 “Mendaco” .... 67 Merrillees, J. C., Pty., Ltd. . . 18, 98 Millers, Ltd. ... 42 Morris, Hedstrom, Ltd 12 Motor Tractors Pty., Ltd . 28 Nelson & Robertson 26 “Nixoderm” ... 87 Nordman, Oscar G. 46 NZ National Airways Corporation 48 Pacific Islands Society 35 Pacific Islands Trading Co. ... 25 Pacific School of Music ..... 75 Pan American Airways. Inc., Ltd. . 14 “Pinkettes” . .29' Qantas Empire Airways, Ltd. . cov. ii.

Qld. Insurance Co., Ltd 41 Qld. Merchants Supplies ... 2, 102 Reed, William E. . 101 Riverstone Meat Co. Pty., Ltd. . 27 Robinson, G. H., E. & 1., Pty., Ltd. . 15 Rohu, Sil . . . .24 Scott, J., Pty., Ltd. 94 Shell Co. of Aust., Ltd 45 Sherwin - Williams Co. (Aust.) Pty., Ltd 19 Southern Pacific Insurance Co.. Ltd. 83 Spartan Paints, Pty., Ltd 68 Steamships Trading Co., Ltd. . . 43. 64 Stewarts & Lloyds 47 Stratton & Co., Ltd 89 Sullivan, C., Pty., Ltd 22, 66 Swaan, Dr. Wm. . 42 Swallow & Ariell Ltd 102 Tallerman & Co. . 43 Taylor, Allen, & Co. 46 Thornycroft, Ltd. . 81 Tilley Lamp Co,, Ltd. (England) . 72 Tillock & Co., Ltd. 90 Tongan Photos Bureau ..... 67 Tooth & Co. . cov. iii.

Trans Oceanic Airways Pty., Ltd. . 20 Tyneside Engineering Co., Ltd. . , 41 Union Mfg. & Export Co., Ltd. . , 80 USL Batteries . . 82 Vacuum Oil Co., 17,40 Ventura Trading Co. Pty.. Ltd. 17, 26, 82, 99 Vincent Chem. Co. 39 Watson, Victor, Ltd. 92 Watson, Wm. H. . 59 West, Harry ... 71 Williams., Dr. . . 79 Willreed Agencies Pty., Ltd. ... 91 Wills, W. D. & H.

O. (Aust.), Ltd. . 76 Wright, E„ & Co., Ltd 33 Wright & Co. . . 101 Wunderlich Ltd. . 70 Yorkshire Insurance Co., Ltd. . 69 Young, A. H., & E. 39 3 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

r: n Wi BflS* TA v s IN THIS ISSUE: Editorial; “Goodbye to Socialism— and All That” 5 Copra Outlook—UK Offer to Fiji for 1950 7 New Guinea Gets Cars from China 7 Effect of NZ Election on W. Samoa 7 Migrant Doctors for Papua-New Guinea 8 Trout for New Guinea 9 Qantas Extend Air Services in NG 9 No Japs Wanted in South Pacific— Impertinent Mass-Migration Plan 9 W. Samoa Against British Preferential Tariff 10 Fiji Police Arrest Indian Speedsters 10 Fiji Land-Agitation discredited by Governor 11 Snaring Generals and the NG War 11 Giant Snails Invade New Ireland .. 11 South Pacific Commission —Substantial Progress in One Year 13 Copra Sacks May Be Scarcer and Dearer Next Year 16 Patrol Now Examining Central Western Region of New Guinea .. 16 Pacific Franc-Devaluation Causes Irritation in French Colonies .... 17 Overwhelming Response to Fiji’s TB Fund 19 Death of Edward Farrell—Timber Lease Case 21 NZ and France Have Air Agreement 21 Rabaul Roundabout 22 Nauru’s Sulky Communities 23 Tai Shek’s Appeal Case on December 15 24 Red Tape in French Oceania —Discouragement of Casual Travellers 25 Fiji Doesn’t Need Export Tax Now 29 Australian-Samoan Trade Good Chance Missed 30 Millions for Fiji—Development and Social Services 31 All Quiet on Fiji’s Industrial Front — Governor’s Review 33 Fiji Representatives at Empire Games 34 Dutch Leaving Indonesia 35 Possible Pay Rise for Fiji Public Servants 35 Morris Hedstrom Scholarship Award, 1950 38 Tahiti Wants Tourist Traffic 39 Solomon Islanders at Youth Conference 39 Tongan Traditions Observed at Important Nukualofa Wedding .. .. 41 Newsletter from NG Highlands .... 42 Western Papua Notes 43 What Works and Housing Dept. Has Done in Samarai 45 Devaluation Means Dear Flour and Petroleum Products for Fiji .. .. 46 Last Americans Leaving BSI .. .. 46 Are Pacific Candlenuts Unsaleable? 47 Vila-Noumea Radio-telephone .. .. 47 Talk-Talk 49 Highland Skyways and Highland Lassies 50 Pago Pago Disillusioned These Hopeful Pilgrims 51 Come in to Kutubu 52 Tropicalities 53 Lets Explore New Holland 54 Of Falling Leaves, and Trees and Other Things 54 Where Dead Ships Lie 56 Modern Fijian Examined by Old Resident 58 Population of Motouriki, Fiji, Will Be Mass-Educated Next Year .. 61 Baptists Enter the Mission Field in NG Highlands 63 W. Samoa Legislative Assembly Keenly Debates Territory Affailrs 66 Gentle Art of Dentistry—NG Highlands Style 73 Rising Cost of Fiji Health Service .. 74 Liquor Laws Fiji Government Abandons Thorny “Equality” Bill 75 Plane and Shipping Timetables .... 77 New Set-up for W. Samoa Public Service 83 Big BGD Dredge Sinks 87 The Month in Moresby 89 Taking Movies to Dreketi 93 New Ireland Notes 95 Rabaul Weddings and Travellers .. 97 Cutter Lost on Reef in Fiji 98 New Cabaret - Restaurant for Rabaul 99 Norfolk Is. Notes 102 Commercial, Markets, etc 104 OBITUARY: Edward Farrell, 21; Sister Marie Jean Baptiste, 23; Capt.

W. H. Luff, 38; E. C. Vider, 50; D. H.

Ward, 65; H. E. Nicholson, 71; H. B.

Harricks, 75; K. W. March, 83; William J. Hettig, 85.

INDUSTRIES; Oil, 6; Cocoa, 7; Copra, 7, 21; Gold, 6, 24; Pearling, 78.

ORGANISATIONS: NG Memorial Scholarship Fund, 7; New Guinea Women’s Club, Sydney, 8. 4 DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

Pacific Islands monthly The Newspaper-Magazine of the South Seas ißegistered at the G.P.0., Sydney, for transmission "by post as a newspaper 1 Published Once Each Month and Circulated in Australia and New Zealand and in the following Pacific Territories and Islands Groups: Australian Territory of Papua.

Trustee Territory (Australia) of New Guinea.

Australian Territory of Norfolk Island.

New Zealand Territory of Cook Islands.

Trustee 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.

Trustee Territory of Nauru.

British and French Condominium of New Hebrides.

French Colony of New Caledonia.

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.

Telephone: General Office and Advertising, BW 5037.

P.O. BOX 3408 Registered Address for 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, Pre-paid, Including Postage.

In Australia, New Zealand, Fiji New Guinea, Papua, Western Samoa, Cook Islands, Tonga, British Solomons, Gilbert and Ellice Colony, Nauru, New Hebrides, and United Kingdom 18 0 Elsewhere $2 50 £llO Single Copies 19 Editor and Publisher: R. W. ROBSON, P.R.G.S.

Assistant Editor: JUDY TUDOR.

General Office: Union House, 247 George Street, Sydney, Telephone: BW 5037.

Business Manager: Selwyn Hughes.

REPRESENTATIVE IN LONDON.

J. T. Wallis, Coronation House, 4 Lloyd’s Avenue, London, E.C.3, from whom may be obtained copies of Pacific Islands Monthly, Pacific Is. Year Book, advertising schedules, etc REPRESENTATIVE IN U.S.A.

Pacific Islands Trading Co., 244 California St., San Francisco, U.S.A, AGENTS.

The following are authorised to receive subscriptions for Pacific Islands Monthly:— Burns, Phllp & Co., Ltd., and Burns Philp (South Sea) Co., Ltd. All branches.

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

Morris, Hedstrom, Ltd. All branches.

Steamships Trading Co., Papua. All branches.

Steele’s Central Store, Suva, Fiji.

C. A. Adams, Lautoka, Fiji.

Cook Islands Trading Co., Rarotonga, Cook Is.

Oscar Nordman, Papeete, Tahiti.

Islands Branches and Representatives of W. H.

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

Ed. Pentecost, Noumea, New Caledonia.

Societe Gubbay Kerr et Cie, Noumea, New Caledonia.

Vol. XX. No. 5.

DECEMBER, 1949 r 1/9 Per Copy.

Price \ Prepaid, p.a.; 18/- Aust, ( In USA, p.a.: $2.50.

Goodbye to Socialism—and All That!

THE defeat of the Socialist Governments of New Zealand (November 30) and Australia (on December 10) is an event of moment in the history of the British Empire and of international relationships, because it is an almost certain indication of the defeat of the British Socialist Government early in the coming year.

The Socialist administration of the British Empire has done enormous, almost incalculable, harm to the Empire, and to the world generally; but it is not too late to undo some of that harm, and to introduce a new note into international affairs.

When World War II ended, the victorious Anglo-American partnership was completely in command. Their duty was clear. The cataclysmic events of 1939- 45 had thrown upon them an obligation to police the world, restore order to the nations and save humanity from the tortures of an economic collapse. Instead of that, the British Empire—except Canada, of course—virtually deserted the United States, and went high-tailing off in a mad and giddy chase after “Socialism in our time.”

While the British countries have been learning, the hard way, that Socialism is not practicable—especially in a post-war period—the Americans have been left to carry the responsibility for world orderliness; with the result that the Muscovite plot against Western civilisation has been carried to a point that many observers find terrifying. If there is to be a World War 111 (Western Democracy against Eastern Totalitarianism), blame for the disaster will be placed squarely upon the British Socialists and their New Planner camp-followers. The Anglo-American partnership of 1945, had it continued, would have put the Moscow Communists very firmly into their proper place, and kept them there.

The Australian and New Zealand voters have pointed the way for the British. A British anti-Red Government will —(a) destroy the forces that have been conniving at the disintegration of the British Empire; (b) establish a British Commonwealth understanding that will enable the British Empire to speak with one authoritative voice in international affairs; (c) seek a much closer relationship with the United States; (d) challenge the evil power of Moscow: (e) restore the pride of the British people in their flag, their ancient institutions, and their destiny.

THE British people do not take kindly to Socialism. Their character, their history and their natural viewpoint are opposed entirely to the subversion of the individual to the State.

The swing towards Totalitarianism in the three principal British countries, at the end of World War 11, was an amazing development. These nations, which had sacrificed so much and performed so gallantly in the fight for personal freedom, surrendered themselves in an extraordinary fashion to the dictatorship of Leftist visionaries. No one who knew British history expected the Red regime to last.

It perhaps was a desirable thing, in this epoch of swift change, that the British should learn the fallacies of Socialist doctrine, and discover that Communism is merely the logical development of Socialism; but it was unfortunate for the world that they should have chosen the immediate post-war period for the great experiment.

If the Australian and New Zealand election results mean anything, they mean that the British Empire is finished with Socialism for at least a generation; and this, in turn, will put new hope into the hearts of the millions of solid British people throughout the world, who have been literally sick with shame at what they have seen happening in the Empire during the last five years.

BUT we must realise that there was more in the Great Socialist Experiment than mere post-war irresponsibleness. If it meant anything, it meant that the masses of common men were in revolt against the Money Power which virtually had taken control of the world’s affairs in the ’twenties and ’thirties, and which led to World War 11.

If we have any statesmanship left in the Empire, we should accept the fact that unrestricted Money Power (or Individualism, or Private Enterprise) may be just as great a menace to our personal liberty and national security as is the Red Muscovite.

Effect In Pacific Islands

IN the Pacific Islands, the end of British Socialism is of importance, and will be generally welcomed. No communities have suffered more under the controls and regulations of rampant bureaucracy than the vote-less and voice-less people

of the biggest South Pacific Territories.

They have had to look on helplessly while well-meaning but generally impractical New Planners have marched complacently around their islands, introducing new untried principles, deifying the natives and placing obstruction and frustration in the way of anything resembling large-scale private enterprise.

In Papua-New Guinea, for example, Socialism has — • Set up the Production Control Board, to buy the planters’ produce, and protect them from “the piracies and robberies” of the Big Firms—but which actually takes more from the planters, in the way of special charges on their copra, than they ever lost to the Big Firms. • Introduced a new contract system for native labour, so as to “save the natives from slavery”—but which actually has achieved nothing good for the natives, and has so heavily increased the cost of labour to the white employer that only the maintenance of high rates for copra, gold, etc., will allow him to carry on. • Established a monopoly for Stateowned coastal ships—and thereby has accomplished nothing except a general lowering of service efficiency and a marked increase in transport costs. • Created a vast, new organisation for the development of the Territories and the welfare of the natives—so that the Australian taxpayers must now find nearly £4,000,000 per annum for the Territories, which under the bad old days of private enterprise were about self-supporting.

And so forth, ad nauseam. From Daru eastward to Rarotonga, and from Norfolk Island northward to the equator, there is scarcely one word to be heard in favour of the Socialist-inspired administration of the tropical islands; but there are thousands of frustrated and irritated residents who will cheer the announcement of Socialist defeats, because they expect that the re-establishment of middle-class governments in the British countries will mean the re-establishment of better living, trading and transport conditions in the Pacific Islands generally.

IT would be foolish to suggest that the end of Socialism means that all those plans for native welfare and advancement are to be abandoned. There has been no indication of any such change in policy.

On the contrary, it may be taken as certain that the new Governments will carry on with all enterprises designed to assist the native to higher standards of life.

But it is equally certain that those plans generally will be revised, so that they may be tied more closely to realities, where necessary.

R. W. Robson and Judy Tudor, 247 George St., Sydney, are responsible for Australian election comments.

Search For Oil In

PAPUA Residents Upset By Shortening of Staff From Our Own Correspondent MORESBY, Dec. 6.

RESIDENTS are concerned about reports that the management of the Australasian Petroleum Co. —the giant organisation that is conducting a search for oil in Papua—is putting off staff by the dozen.

It is stated that the Oroi rig is closing down, after boring to a depth of 5,516 feet. Some people regard this as a sign of a general narrowing of APC’s operations.

A few weeks ago, high officials of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Co. and Standard Vacuum Oil Co. were in Papua, looking over the field of search operations; and it was reported at the time that they favoured a policy of concentrating the search at certain points that seemed to offer the best prospects of success. What the local residents call the APC’s “austerity campaign” began about that time.

Story That Good Oil Prospect Was ‘Killed’

MEANWHILE, in Sydney, on December 7, Mr. E. J. Ward (Australian Minister for Territories) said he had strong evidence that a huge oil combine had deliberately frustrated development of an oil find in New Guinea.

“The operations occurred in territory where Australian oil-search companies are not functioning. A foremost topographical surveyor and oil technologist, employed by the combine, discovered oilbearing country which, from a 2,000 ft. shaft, was productive of oil,” said Mr.

Ward.

“However, he was instructed not to bore deeper than 500 ft.—a depth which the oil combine executives knew would be unproductive of oil in this area. The expert was told by the company to seal the shaft-hole and move expensive equipment on the site to another site which was the crater of an extinct volcano.

“He bitterly protested to his employers, pointing out that, first, if he were allowed to proceed he would produce huge quantities of oil for them, and, secondly, it was a waste of time drilling in the crater. He drilled fruitlessly in the crater and protested again to the company, which then summarily dismissed him.”

Mr. Ward said that this man who had had many years’ experience in the oilfields of America, Persia and Burma, is now dead, but letters, written prior to his death, are in existence, protesting against the treatment he had received from the company and the manner in which his efforts to obtain oil had been deliberately frustrated. These letters describe the exact area where the original shaft was sunk.

The Search Will Go On A SYDNEY authority said on December 8 that there was no suggestion whatever of the abandonment of the oil search in Papua. One great problem there was insufficiency of transport. By reducing the rigs (boring installations) from five to three, the Cos. found it could make better and more economical use of transport. Another factor was that devaluation had automatically made nearly all supplies. 25 per cent, more costly. The most important recent development was the recent decision to increase the issued capital of the Cos. from five to ten million pounds.

Mr. E. J. Thomsett For Rabaul MR. E. J. THOMSETT, who will be remembered as a Director and Secretary of W. R. Carpenter & Co. (Fiji) Ltd., has now accepted an appointment to the Board of Directors of the New Guinea Company Limited, Rabaul.

Recently, he has been associated with W. R. Carpenter & Co. Ltd. Sydney, who entertained him at a farewell luncheon held in his honour at the Wentworth Hotel, Sydney, on November 21.

Mr. Thomsett departed from Sydney by Qantas aircraft on November 30 for Rabaul.

Mrs. Thomsett and their youngest daughter are to follow early in the new year.

We Try Again!

I¥7E printed this rare old photograph of TT Robert Louis Stevenson and his family in November PIM, with the caption from the Sydney Mirror (where it had originally appeared). The Mirror stated that the group consisted of RLS, his sister, mother and “Samoan wife.”

We had never heard of Stevenson having a Samoan wife, and said so. We now learn that the “Samoan wife” is actually Isobel Field, or as she was then, Isobel Strong, the American stepdaughter of RLS.

This has caused the PIM editorial department some slight redness of face as Mrs. Field and the editor of PIM carried on a friendly correspondence for many years! The correspondence ceased about the end of the war, when Mrs.

Field, a very old lady living in California, ended it because of failing sight. Mrs. Field’s book about Stevenson and his family in the Pacific (This Life I’ve Loved) with a photograph of Mrs. Field, has been in the PIM library ever since it was first published.

So, we stand corrected—by Mr. James Tyrrell of Sydney’s famous bookshop, an authority on Australian and Pacific manuscripts and books. He informs us that the group, from left to right, is Mrs.

Robert Louis Stevenson; RLS; Mrs.

Strong (later Field); and Mrs. Stevenson, Snr., RLS’s mother. The Mirror caption described Mrs. Stevenson (the younger) as RLS’s sister.

Mr. Tyrrell says that Fanny Osborne divorced her first husband in America and married RLS. There were two children of her first marriage, Lloyd and Isobel. Both became members of the very happy Stevenson menage in Samoa where they were joined by RLS’s mother. Isobel Osborne married Strong; later she divorced him and some time after Stevenson’s death, married a Mr. Field. She probably is still living in California. 6

December, 19 4 9 -Pacific Islands Monthly

Copra Outlook

General Fall of Ten Per Cent Likely in Coming Year THE free market price of first class copra has been varying between £6O and £7O stg. per ton cif, European ports.

Philippines copra, during the past three months, has ranged between 170 and 185 US dollars, per ton, cif., European ports.

Indications are that there is a slight easing in the world price of copra, and it is expected that the 1950 guaranteed price of the British Ministry of Food—which regulates the market now in all British and Australian Pacific Territories— will be down about 10 per cent, on the 1949 figure, which was around £4B Stg. per ton, on wharf, Island port,—equal to £54 Fijian, and £6O Australian. With local Governmental deductions, this has worked out at about £49 per ton Fijian, and £4B per ton Australian in the pockets of producers.

As there is a change of Government in Australia, Papua-New Guinea copraproducers should make a strong appeal to Canberra to forego some of the heavy and, as yet, unjustified deductions made by Canberra from the British-guaranteed price—deductions equal to at least £l2 Australian per ton. Papua-New Guinea planters in 1950 should get another £4 or £5 per ton from the Australian Governmental authority, and this would suffice to take care of the expected reduction of 10 per cent, in the British-guaranteed price.

PLANTERS also should make a determined effort to obtain something official from Canberra about the so-called Stabilisation Fund. There must now be a huge sum there —some estimates exceed £500,000 —and it belongs to the planters, who have contributed to it at the rate of from £5 to £8 per ton.

Socialist Minister Ward has stubbornly refused to give any information to the planters about what is actually their own money; but a non-Socialist Minister will not be actuated by hatred of private enterprise and profit, and will give reasonable information about the Fund.

There has been no need of a Stabilisation Fund since Britain gave the 9-years’ guarantee, at the end of 1948.

Some planters expect that the Stabilisation Fund will be distributed among planters, in proportion to their tonnage contribution to the Production Control Board. Others favour the idea that, if and when copra prices fall below a designated figure, the fund should be used to give producers a bonus of so much per ton of copra supplied. But whatever system is favoured, it is only fair and just that there should be some indication of policy.

Mr. Ward’s system, of simply grabbing so much per ton from the planters, and hiding it away, without any indication of plan or purpose, is completely typical of Socialism, where the State is the ruthless dictator, and the individual does not matter.

There are indications that the Papua- New Guinea Production Control Board is being prepared for winding-up. According to Mr. Ward, that was to have taken place a year ago. But, after December 10, the removal of that particular limb of bureaucracy may be somewhat hastened.

UK OFFER FOR 1950 COPRA Fiji and Ceylon Negotiations THE British Ministry of Food has offered £45 sterling for Fiji copra during 1950. This represents a reduction on the present price (£4Bstg.) of 6.2 per cent.

Under the Copra Purchasing Agreement the price has to be negotiated annually and must not be more than 10 per cent, higher or lower than the price paid the previous year.

The UK Ministry of Food has copra agreements with Papua-New Guinea, Ceylon, Western Samoa, some WPHC territories as well as Fiji. The price fixed for one territory will naturally affect the purchasing price in any of the others.

The Fiji Copra Board, which announced the UK offer on November 16, made this statement: — The chairman of the Fiji Copra Board, Mr. C, Harvey (Fiji Director of Agriculture), is in London in connection with the Sugar Conference and will take the opportunity during this visit of inquiring into the state of the copra market and of opening up discussions with the British Ministry of Food on the new price offer. No decision, of course, will be reached until the Fiji Board has had an opportunity of considering Mr. Harvey’s report.

It is understood that negotiations for the 1950 prices are now taking place between the British Ministry of Food and Ceylon and it is considered that the outcome of these discussions will reflect more clearly the present trend in world copra prices and assist the Board in its deliberations.

Cars From China

Some Late Models Arrive in Rabaul From Our Own Correspondent RABAUL. Dee. 1.

AT left, recorded by the camera of C. H. Meen, in Rabaul, is what is believed to be an interesting result of the far-reaching disturbances in China. It is reported that many wealthy Chinese are leaving the country, and their cars—usually very fine machines— are being sold. When the Citos arrived in Rabaul recently she unloaded seven American cars from China —two of them Chevrolet De Luxe 1949 models. These cars have been bought by members of the New Guinea Chinese community—and more are expected in the near future. ‘PAY BACK’

Mr. Fadden Has Not Forgotten Mr. Wilson AN adherence to the ancient Islands principle of “Pay Back” was indicated in a statement, during the Australian election campaign, by Mr. Fadden, leader of the Country Party.

In a speech on November 28, in reply to an interjection, Mr. Fadden said that the Fadden Government was defeated in 1941 because two “Independents,”’ Messrs.

A. Wilson and A. W. Coles, supported the Labour Party and put a Socialist Government into office. The Socialists had rewarded Mr. Wilson with the Administratorship of Norfolk Island, and Mr, Coles with ohe chairmanship of the Airlines Commission.

Mr. Fadden said that if there was to be a Liberal-Country Party Government, those two men would be dismissed.

Effect Of Nz Election On

W. SAMOA From Our Own Correspondent APIA, DEC. 1 IT is not expected that the change of government in New Zealand will cause any notable changes here. Labour was responsible for the creation of our Legislative Assembly, as a first definite steo towards self-government; but the National Party is pledged to continue the Labour policy in relation to Western Samoa.

The High Commissioner, Mr. G. R.

Powles, will leave in January for consultations with the new Government in Wellington.

We were particularly interested in the election of Mr. F. A. L. Goetz, who won the Otahuhu seat for the National Party.

Mr. Goetz was for many years manager in Western Samoa of the NZ Reparation Estates.

Ng Memorial Scholarship

Letter to the Editor I WAS interested to read that the New Guinea Womens’ Club of Sydney, at an extraordinary general meeting, had decided against participating in extension of the New Guinea Memorial Scholarship Appeal to New South Wales.

It should be known that the originators of the Memorial Scholarship Fund in Melbourne are quite hanpy in the result of their efforts and are not appealing for more funds. A Memorial Scholarship has been established and will be for all time a reminder to all who benefit from it of the men it honours.

To use a colloquialism, it would be a pity to “flog a tired horse” and try to extract more donations from the very generous folk who supported the appeal previously.

In 1950, four children will be benefiting from the fund.

I am etc.

CLARE MAY Eltham, Vic., 28/11/1949

Samoa’S Cocoa Crop

IT was reported from Apia on December 1 that cocoa beans were selling at from £lBO to £195 Sterling per ton, f.0.b., Apia. The new crop is satisfactory in volume and quality. 7 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

Previously acknowledged £26 3 6 Mrs. C. Helton 2 2 0 Mr. A. J. Gaskin 2 2 0 Cosmopolitan Trading Co., Rabaul 3 3 0 Mrs. W. Vallentine 1 1 0 Miss D. Stewart 1 1 0 Mrs. U. Adams 3 18 0 A. W. Anderson Pty.. Ltd 1 1 0 Robert Gillespie 5 5 0 Lady McNicoll (2nd don.) .. 1 1 0 Mr. & Mrs, Wauchope 2 2 0 Mrs. Parry 6 0 Mrs. Hopkins in 0 Mrs. D. Booth 5 0 0 Total £54 15 6 Gold Won Profit Oz. Value (£F) £ (A) Emperor, 1948 55,417 588,494 56,>637 1949 59,241 574,255 76.202 Loloma, 1948 29,042 88.839 1949 29,781? 128.083

Migrant Doctors For

Papua-New Guinea

40 Men to Reinforce the Medical Services SEVEN “New Australians” (European migrants) who hold European medical degrees, which are not recognised as yet in Australia, are either on their way to Papua and New Guinea, as officially-appointed medical officers, or they soon will be. They will be followed at an early date by others, until about 40 will be employed in the Australian Territories as medical officers.

Behind this arrangement there is evidence of the bitter war that has been going on between the Australian Socialist Government, which has tried to nationalise medicine in Australia, and the British Medical Association doctors, who have resisted the plan successfully, and refused all co-operation. It was an important issue in the Australian general election, on December 10.

Details of the plan, and an indication of the background, were given in a statement made in the Australian Parliament on October 27 by Minister Calwell (Immigration). The following is the official (Hansard) report: “Mr. Edmonds: Has the attention of the Minister for Immigration been drawn to the reported shortage of medical staff in Papua-New Guinea? If so. will the Minister state whether any steps have been taken to alleviate that shortage by the appointment of suitably qualified persons from among the new Australians who are being brought to this country.

“Mr. Calwell: I am aware of the needs of the medical services in Papua-New Guinea. The question relates to a subject which has been referred to on both sides of the House for some time past, which is, the necessity to use the services of new Australians to the greatest possible, degree in conformity with their attainments, aptitudes and qualifications.

“But in order that persons with medical degrees from European universities, who are nationals of countries with which Australia has no reciprocal agreement for the recognition of such degrees, may practise, it is necessary that they should become registered under State laws. There is no disposition on the part of some State authorities to grant such recognition, but this Parliament has power under the Australian Constitution to register such medical practitioners in territories of the Commonwealth such as Papua-New Guinea, the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory, and Norfolk Island.

“The Department of Immigration has received requests from the Department .of External Territories for the services of a number of doctors. Dr. Gunther, who is chief of the medical services in Panua- New Guinea, has been in consultation with officers of my department about this matter.

“I think that about 40 doctors amongst the new Australians have been examined, and some have already been selected by Dr Gunther. Those who have had medical experience in Europe and who have satisfied Dr. Gunther’s requirements are to go td Papua-New Guinea as soon as possible. They number six and will be registered as medical practitioners in Papua-New Guinea and will attend to the needs of the natives of the territory.

The Minister for External Territories has been most anxious that the health of the natives should not suffer.

“The Government has tried in England.

Australia and in fact everywhere, to get doctors to go to Papua-New Guinea, but has met with no success.

“It is hoped that ultimately all of the 40 individuals who I have mentioned will be appointed to practise in New Guinea.

I believe that such appointments will have some influence upon the attitude of the British Medical Association and the State medical boards on the question of affording recognition to university degrees in medicine and other branches of science held by these new Australians.

“The men who are to be appointed are all single men and will attend an orientation course at the Australian School of Pacific Administration, at Mosman, Sydney, prior to proceeding to the Territory.

They will be registered for medical practice in the territory of Papua-New Guinea when they arrive in that territory.”

It was officially announced on December 3 that seven “migrant doctors” had been appointed; that practice in the territory would not automatically guarantee them the right of private practice in Australia; and that some of them intended to save most of their income to return to the mainland and attend a university to qualify for admittance to medical practice in the Commonwealth.

Two Years’ Indenture?

Letter to the Editor I'IHE arrival of 15 medical practitioners from Europe, to be followed later by a further 15, is announced by the Department of Public Health.

Will these gentlemen be under a twoyears’ indenture, as is the case with thousands of European migrants in Australia?

If so, full particulars should be gazetted concerning their ration scale, hours of work, etc.; and an official explanation given as to why two years’ indenture is too long for a Papuan, but not for a European.

The matter should be taken up at once by the Rev. Dr. Burton, Professor Elkin, and similar critics of indenture.

I am, etc., G. T. GEMMELL.

Mariboi Estate, Papua.

New Guinea Women’S Club

SYDNEY FURTHER donations towards the cost of the Children’s Party were received by the New Guinea Women’s Club of Sydney in November-December.

The children’s party will be held on December 19 and adults’ party on December 22 at 6.30 p.m.

Mr. E. J. W. Browne, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Browne, of Suva, Fiji, was killed in a motor cycle accident in November, in Auckland, NZ?, He joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force last year and at the time of his death was a machinist at the Hobsonville base. He was 20.

Fiji’S Gold Mines

Big Profits—And Very Big Taxes IN the year ended June 30 last, the Emperor and Loloma gold-mines, in the Tavua district of Fiji, won just on £1,000,000 worth of gold, thus maintaining most satisfactorily Fiji’s third big industry—the other two, of course, being sugar and copra production.

The following table shows what ,the mines actually accomplished:— Ever since the courage and enterprise of a Melbourne group, headed by John Wren and E. G. Theodore, established this rich industry on an ore that had been sneered at by most of the experts, the Companies have had a raw deal from tax-hungry governments—especially in the post-war, or Socialist, era.

In Australia, the profits of Australian gold-mines are free of income tax —as they should be, considering the enterprise needed to find gold, the risks taken, and the way in which the producers are mulcted in royalties, and so forth. But in Fiji the mines get no such concession —they are heavily taxed. Yet in recent years, the companies could not transfer their profits (already taxed) from Fiji to Australia, because Australia simply classified them as “oversea companies,” and insisted that their dividends were subject to a fearful slug. So the Directors, for years, wisely kept their profits, undivided, in Fiji.

Some of those profits were ear-marked for a scientific search for gold in Guadalcanal, in the Solomons, where there are encouraging prospects. But when the new British Socialist set-up announced that, in the event of gold being found in the Solomons, the State would participate heavily in the returns, the directors simply closed down their Solomons enterprise, and cut their losses.

Now comes the third set-back. The Fiji Government already imposes an income tax on the companies, equal to 6/3 in the £; and the new system of calculating royalty rates imposed on the gold exported means that the gold-mines will be paying out in direct taxation no less than 50 per cent, of their gross income.

It is described in Australia as “a ludicrous situation, and it means that the gold industry, despite the comparative richness of the field, will be forced out of the Colony.”

The Emperor and Loloma Companies have been very good for Fiji, in an economic and social sense. They employ large numbers of Fijian and half-caste people, and they have taken pride in organising and establishing model villages and amenities for both those communities.

“The Fiji Government tries to tax us as if we were South African mining companies,” said a manager to a PIM visitor, not long ago. “I bet they never saw model workmen’s villages like these around any African mine.”

The* accounts show that the company expect that, in this financial year, Loloma will pay £48,255 and Emperor £37,406 in taxation, to the Fiji Government.

Because of shortage of European miners and lack of ore, the crushing mill at the Cuthbert mine on Misima Island. Papua, ran only ten days in the period ended November 23. 250 tons were crushed, for 43 oz. of gold and 41 of silver. 8 DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

Trout For N. Guinea

“Operation Flying Fish”

ANEW experiment in air transportation was made at the end of November by Qantas Empire Airways, who flew 20,000 live trout to New Guinea. The aircraft, chartered by Mr, E. J. Hallstrom, took the fish to his Experimental Station at Nondugl, in the Highlands of New Guinea.

In order to keep the fish alive during the flight Qantas equipped a DC3 air freighter with special equipment driven by electric motors. A series of four special pumps provided continuous aeration of water, both in the air and on the ground.

The fish were carried in 18 five-gallon tanks, to which the air was supplied by special nylon hoses, each pump supplying nine cans with approximately four cubic feet of air per hour. Special diffusers in each can broke up the air supply to emit a fine stream of bubbles.

As an added precaution special air cylinders were carried to allow instant replacement of air should a pump failure occur. A control panel was installed in the aircraft to show warning lights in case of electric supply failure.

The fish arrived at Mascot, Sydney, from the Central Acclimatisation Society Hatcheries at Oberon at 9 p.m., and the aircraft departed at 9.30 p.m. on a nonstop flight to Townsville. A supply of ice was available at Townsville for use should the water rise above the danger point of 70 degrees.

Well-known philanthropist E. J. Hallstrom, who has already successfully demonstrated the transport of sheep by air, hopes that in a few years’ time the trout will add tourist value to the Highlands of New Guinea. Mr. Hallstrom’s son and a fisheries expert were in constant attendance on the consignment. The fish were liberated in the mountain streams at Nondugl less than 24 hours after leaving Sydney.

Qantas Extend Ng Service

QANTAS EMPIRE AIRWAYS have extended their internal air services in New Guinea to link Wewak, on the north-east mainland coast, direct with Rabaul.

Before the war Wewak, which had some importance as the port for the Sepik goldfields and the oil search that was being undertaken in the district, was on the main route of Burns Philp’s Sydney-New Guinea service. Although two BP ships have been back on the run for over two years, Wewak is no longer a port of call.

Communication with the rest of the Territory is maintained by small aircraft owned by private companies, and the small Government-owned inter-island ships which call at irregular intervals.

The new air service which will be operated by DCS aircraft should be of much benefit to local residents as well as to recruiters from New Britain. The Wewak-Aitape hinterland is still one of the most fruitful fields of plantation labour, although it is not unusual these days for recruits to have to wait three months on the beach before transport to Rabaul can be arranged by ship.

The new QEA service leaves Lae every Wednesday morning. It calls at Madang and Wewak and then flies on to Rabaul.

It returns to Lae, direct, each Thursday.

Kokoda Trail Route

IN November Qantas opened another Papuan service from Port to Kokoda and Popendetta and return.

The route closely follows the Kokoda trail.

No Japs Are Wanted Here

Impertinent Flan for Mass Migration to South Pacific Lands RICHARD HUGHES, who is a special correspondent in Tokio for the Sydney Sun and Melbourne Herald, says that Japan hopes, with United Nation’s blessing, to be able to move five million of its people into the “empty Pacific lands” in the first five years after any peace treaty is signed.

Much has been said in the past 12 months of the Japanese leaders’ aspirations in respect of Pacific migration. In the past, however, the common Japanese man or woman has shown a notorious reluctance to migrate. Before the war there were more avenues of migration open to them than there are now—the .Asian mainland, the Marianas, Carolines and Marshalls, etc. The great majority of Japanese preferred to stay on the overcrowded homeland. As mentioned in the following article there is, even to-day, immediate room for six million Japs in their own largely unsettled northern-most island of Hokkaido.

It is an undeniable fact that the population of Japan has increased by about 10 million in as many years and the results of this have yet to be seen. There are two schools of thought as far as “population pressure” are concerned. It has not yet been proved, however, that over-population alone will turn a naturally stay-at-home race into a pioneering, migrating one.

There may be approval of Jap leaders’ migration plans from some Asiatic representatives of UN, But there are signs of returning political sanity in the Western Democracies and in five years from now we can confidently expect that the starry-eyed theorists who have been in the ascendancy since the war will no longer represent us at UN.

Despite General MacArthur’s apparent change of heart, recently-arranged British Empire trade pacts with Japan and other indications that we are now expected to forgive our bestial enemy of four short years ago, there is not a European in the South Pacific, whatever his political beliefs, who will countenance Jap migration in this direction. If South America wants them, as has been indicated, let them go there. They are not wanted here.

Hughes’ article follows for the information of readers.

Migrant Plan for Millions JAPAN hopes, with United Nations approval, to move five million migrants into empty South Pacific lands in the first five years after any peace treaty is signed.

In addition, her leaders propose boldly to use Japan’s ever soaring birth-rate as an economic weapon on the world’s markets.

These aims are thinly masked in the long-awaited report submitted by the Japanese Population Council to Prime Minister Yoshida recently.

Following five months’ deliberation, the council of hand-picked experts has at last presented a series of recommendations for “absorbing” Japan’s bursting population, which was 66 million in 1930- 34, 72 million at the end of the war. 80 million at the end of last year, and will be 105 million in 20 years.

After perfunctorily endorsing birth control, the council suggests that other courses open to Japan are:— Recovery of Japan’s international trade.

Promotion of secondary or urban industries.

Training of “industrious and peaceful migrants.”

The areas which Japan has specifically marked down for migration are: Borneo, New Guinea (beginning with Dutch New Guinea), the Celebes, Halmahera and Ceram.

Let Them Go to Hokkaido JAPAN’S leaders ignore the fact that there is immediate room for six million pioneers in Hokkaido, the beautiful but cold and unsettled northernmost island of the Japanese homeland.

They recognise that birth control is a strange alien idea in Japan, and that any central government could easily stifle public interest in its widespread adoption.

And, anyway, they don’t want to check Japan’s population growth.

That is the central point on which all Japanese parties, from Prime Minister Yoshida’s conservatives and reactionaries to Sanzo Nosaka’s Communists, are in firm nationalistic agreement.

Members of the Japanese Population Council believe, further, that in any United Nations’ discussion on migration they could first count on the help of Asiatic nations like China, India and Indonesia.

Then they could also count on traditionally friendly South American countries like Brazil and Argentina, which have already declared willingness to welcome “Industrious and peaceful Japanese migrants.”

“Dutch New Guinea, populated now by 200,000 natives, could support at least 20 million Japanese,” says a private appendix to the Population Council’s report.

“Japanese pioneers who successfully operated cotton and hemp concessions on the north coast of Dutch New Guinea know that untapped natural resources could yield rich supplies of high-grade lumber, resin and processed forestry products.”

Japan’s irrepressible birth rate consequently becomes at once a challenge to White Australia fears of an Asiatic population spill-over into the south and a threat to Western high-wage tariffs against Japanese sweat-rag trade competition.

Promotion for P. D. Macdonald of Fiji MR. P. D. MACDONALD, who held the post of Assistant Colonial Secretary, Fiji, has been appointed Colonial Secretary, Leeward Islands.

Mr. Macdonald, who is at present on leave in the United Kingdom, served in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony as an Administrative Officer from 1932 until 1940, when he was appointed an Assistant Secretary, Western Pacific High Commission. .

In 1942, he was seconded to Trinidad as Assistant Colonial Secretary, and in 1946 was transferred to Fiji.

The report of Mr. E. B. Rice, Director of Dairying, Queensland, on the Dairy Industry in Fiii, with particular reference to the costs of production of butterfat has been published as a Council Paper Copies are available at the Government Press, Suva. The price is 47- 9 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

Samoa Against British Preferential Tariff

Desire To Revert to Pre-1914 System BEFORE the Western Samoa administration was taken over by Germany in 1900, there was an ad valorem duty on all goods entering the country, to help pay government costs. Germany maintained the old system—an ad valorem duty on all goods, irrespective of country of origin—but increased the duty to 10 per cent, in 1901 and to 12 per cent, in 1909. Many goods came in free, and some—like liquor, tobacco and fire-arms —were specially taxed.

The New Zealand military administration followed the same system from 1914, until 1920, when the Mandate Government functioned. Thenceforward, all goods with an origin in British countries were given a preference of 7i> per cent, over other goods. When World War II came, the rates of duty had climbed up to 17i per cent, on British goods and 25 per cent, on others, plus a heavy surcharge In mid-1949, the new Legislative Assembly of Western Samoa set up a Select Committee — “(a) To consider, in view of the statements and discussions at the Fourth Session of the United Nations Trusteeship Council, whether the existing British Preferential Tariff should be maintained or, if not, what principle in this respect should be adopted in determining rates of customs duties in future; “(b) To take evidence, on oath or otherwise in the discretion of the Select Committee, from, and ascertain the opinions of, representatives of the various sections of the community upon the existing Preferential Tariff and upon any desirable modifications thereto.’’

This Committee now has reported, and its conclusions are thus summarised: — 1. That the existing British tariff preference should be abolished: 2. That a new tariff should be drawn up providing for — (a) specific duties on certain lines of low value on which it is desired to impose a high rate of duty (e.g., cigarettes, tobacco, petrol); (b) a general rate of ad valorem duty to be imposed on all goods not otherwise provided for, regardless of their country of origin: (c) a lower rate of ad valorem duty to be imposed on certain specified staple lines, regardless of their country of origin. (d) a free list. 3. That there should be a single consolidated rate of duty in place of the present basic duty plus surcharge ; 4. That the Government should consider the advisability of valuing all goods for the assessment of Customs due in terms of Samoan currency; 5. That the Government should consider undertaking a thorough survey of the economic resources of the Territory, with special reference to the possibility of expanding existing industries and establishing new ones.

In its deliberations upon the form of tariff best suited to the needs of Western Samoa, the Committee has kept in mind two main principles:— 1. That any proposals which it might make should be designed so as to allow the Government to obtain the same amount of revenue, in proportion to import trade, as at present; 2. That the price of staple lines, principally foodstuffs, should be kept as low as possible.

Editorial Note

AS Western Samoa is a New Zealand Trusteeship, the New Zealand Government probably will have to be consulted before any such far-reaching changes are made.

The newly-elected NZ Parliament is sharply critical of the Leftist influences which, since 1945, have been seeking the disintegration of the British Empire; and, if the Trusteeship Council’s tendency to interference in Samoan affairs is regarded as coming in that category, the Select Committee’s report will get short thrift in Wellington.

However, Trusteeship territories like Western Samoa have been given a new status since 1945, which seems to place them partly outside Imperial controls; and New Zealand probably will accept that viewpoint, and permit the implementation of the Report. NZ businessmen will not like it, however. The Western Samoa administration has cost NZ a lot of money, in special grants and subsidies—why, therefore, should New Zealand not get the benefit of trade with Western Samoa?

The trade figures (1947 are the last available) are worth quoting:— British imports Into Samoa New Zealand £289,892 Australia 133,396 United Kingdom .. .. 120,671 Canada 98,701 Fiji 23,338 Other countries .. .. 18,093 Total British imports .. £684,091 Foreign Imports Into Samoa United States £224,890 Iran 7,379 Other countries .. .. 7,413 Total foreign imports .. £239,682 “The most important reasons why Samoa trades with these five British countries and the United States,” says the report, “are not difficult to find. They are the countries with which the Territory has reasonably good shipping connections.

All but the United Kingdom are within, or upon the borders of the Pacific; and the United Kingdom, owing to the scale of its trade with Pacific countries, operates regular and frequent trans-Pacific freight services. Samoa trades with these countries not so much because they produce what she needs —for other countries do that as well —as because they have means of sending their goods to Samoa with at least fair regularity and without unduly expensive trans-shipment.”

C. Sullivan Ltd. Extends To

AMERICA

Fijian Police

ARREST

Indian Speedsters

SUVA, DEC. 1 A FIJIAN, Constable Kaveni Kuru, came upon a noisy Indian party in a parked taxi, at 2.35 a.m. on November 19, and placed a young Indian woman under arrest.

Three Indian men actively resisted the constable. Then one of them, Uday Deo, jumped into the taxi and started off.

Constable Keveni sprang onto the running board, and hung on.

The taxi raced at an incredible speed through central Suva to Nasese, Laucala Bay and Tamavua—ll miles—and the plucky constable, on the running board had several narrow escapes. The Indians tried to get rid of him —they even threatened him (at 50 mph!) with the cranking handle.

As the taxi raced through town, the constable saw his officer, Sergeant Malilili, and yelled for help. The sergeant, in another taxi, pursued the malefactors all the way to Tamavua. There, Uday Deo slowed down, and the police arrested the lot.

The magistrate, Mr. J. G. Horsfall, sentaced Uday Deo to a year’s hard labour and fined him heavily for other offences; the other two Indians were sent to gaol for six months; and the woman was fined for drunkenness.

The magistrate warmly commended the police for their conduct in the case.

Inspector D. T. Saint, told the court that Uday Deo was by far the worst of the offenders. His conduct illustrated the contempt for the law and order shown by “a certain section of the community.”

Mr. A. I. N. Deoki, for the defence, demanded to know to which section of the community the inspector referred.

“The hooligan element”, replied Inspector Saint.

Mr. Deoki gave notice of appeal against the sentences.

Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan —a snapshot in a street in San Francisco.

Mr. Charles Sullivan, the head of C. Sullivan Pty., Ltd., Islands merchants, of Sydney, established a branch of his firm in San Francisco recently. Mr. Sullivan, accompanied by Mrs. Sullivan, returned to Sydney in November on the Aorangi, after a business visit to the United States and Europe. 10 DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

Fiji Land-Agitation Firmly Discredited

By Governor

Indian Community Again Warned of Over-Population Peril From Our Own Correspondent SUVA, Nov. 25. 11HE Fijian land reserves situation, currently the subject of unrestrained Indian political agitation, was handled with characteristic directness by the Governor (Sir Brian Freeston) in his opening address at the Budget session of the Legislative Council to-day.

“Let us hear no more of the irresponsible talk, which I should like to believe is based on nothing worse than misunderstanding and stupidity—but which, if all that reaches my ears is true, has led to apprehensions of wholesale evictions, plots to get the Indian farmers off the land, and the creation in the next year or two of a large class of landless paupers,” the Governor demanded.

“Such talk, and the encouragement of such fantastic fears is, to say the least of it, unutterably foolish, and I rely on the good sense of our Indian fellow-subjects in this Colony to treat these rumours and their originators with the contempt which they deserve.”

Number of Indian Lessees THE Governor said that in the two provinces, Ba and Lautoka, where the boundaries of the Fijian reserves have now been finally established, there are 2,643 Indian canegrowers.

“Out of this number only 32 occupy native leases which will expire and will not be renewed on December 31 next year,” said Sir Brian. “Of these 32 who will be required to vacate their present holdings in 13 months’ time, all but one have already had their position and prospects carefully examined by the Western District Resettlement Committee.

“Of the 31 cases examined, the committee found that only five required assistance towards resettlement, the remainder having already provided themselves with other land on which to maintain themselves and their families when they leave their present holdings.

“In the remainder of the sugar-belt there are, I believe, 2,298 Indian canegrowers. In this area the boundaries of the Fijian reserves have not yet been published; on the information available, however, it is expected that 41 native leases will expire without prospect of renewal on December 31, 1950.

“Of these 41 cases the committee has so far examined 33 and has found that out of these 33, 23 are already, provided for and only ten are in need of assistance.”

To sum up, said the Governor, out of a total of nearly 5,000 Indian canefarmers in the Western District, the number in need of assistance towards resettlement was only 15—or 20 if allowance were made for the few cases which the committee had not yet had time to examine.

Dealing with the more distant future, the Governor said: “On the particulars available to me I can say that after 1950 there will be possibly another 100 native leases which will not be renewed on termination. Some of these, however, still have many years to run, and the displacements involved will be spread over the next 50 years.

Apprehension Discounted “AS regards the rest of the Colony, no XX exact figures are yet available; we shall know more about this aspect of the problem in 12 months’ time. But there is no reason to apprehend that the difficulties will be on a much greater scale than in the Western District, or that they will be incapable of solution on the lines which I have indicated.”

After pointing out that, given goodwill on all sides, the transitional period could be passed with a minimum of hardship to those immediately affected, who were very few, the Governor said that, when complete, the operation of the system would give greater security of tenure to non-Fijians in respect of lands outside the Fijian reserves.

At this point the Governor recalled his pronouncement to the Legislative Council that their overwhelming rate of increase threatened to bring about a catastrophe in which Fiji would be unable to support its overcrowded population. He said : “The case which I have laid before you rests on the basis of the non-native population of Fiji as it exists to-day.

“As regards the consequences of an unrestricted increase in their numbers, I have nothing to add to, and nothing to subtract from, the remarks which I addressed to you from this chair in opening the August session of Council.”

'RINE'!

Snarling Generals And The New Guinea War ANEW book on the Southwest Pacific War, by the American Air Force General Kenny, setting out some bitter home-truths about the ghastly muddling of Australian and American brass-hats, has caused a stir in Australia’s ageing military circles.

From the book, and from “letters to the editor” since the book was reviewed, it is clear that some Australian leaders hated other Australian leaders with a vicious and deadly hatred, in those critical months in Papua and New Guinea.

Two other things that come out clearly are a general admiration for General Douglas MacArthur, and the high quality displayed by those battle-hardened Seventh and Ninth Australian Divisions, when they got into the mud and stench of jungle warfare.

But we cannot follow the war through these readable pages—it is much too complicated. Better re-tell one of Kenney’s best stories.

Kenney kept the Americans and Australians as far apart as possible.

To illustrate the handicap of too-close co-operation, he says an Australian weather officer once was explaining to an American crew that there might be rain clouds on the way to the bombing target.

“What are ‘rine-clouds’?” asked one American pilot.

His co-pilot remarked: “He said ‘rime clouds’—clouds that have rime-ice.”

The Americans worried about this, were preparing to get de-icing equipment fitted to the aircraft until it was explained that, in the Australian accent, “ram” became “rine.”

Miss Eleanor Rivett, MA, formerly Principal of the Women’s Christian College at Madras, has been appointed Woman Secretary of the London Missionary Society,Australia and New Zealand Committee. Miss Rivett succeeds Miss Kathleen Scott, who resigned some time ago on her marriage to the Rev. James Kay of New Zealand.

LOATHSOME!

Jap-Snail Invasion of New Ireland From Our Own Correspondent KAVIENG, Dec. 1.

POLICE and Customs officials here seem powerless to check the invasion of a loathsome snail that is causing more peril than a large Communistic migration from the Dutch border. The demoralising effect on the local natives is apparent, and only by combined effort of the planters can this pernicious element in our midst be kept in its place.

Of a nomadic disposition, with a standard of living even lower than the native himself, this “camp follower” was first brought to New Ireland by the Japanese troops to satisfy their protein needs, and, as may be expected, it does its dirty work mostly at night.

A true hermophrodite, the giant snail, Achatina Fulica, is breeding far and wide.

Every individual is an egg producer, and a single snail could, in five years, produce 11 billion offspring, weighing 11 billion pounds. Up to 300 eggs are laid in a single hatch.

But ducks like “him,” and the future of New Ireland may lie in large-scale poultry breeding for the export market!

Achatina has a really high protein value and, if the worst comes to the worst, and we’re ever cut off again in this charming neck of the Pacific, we should not be stuck for “kai,” what with the abundance of snails, frogs, fish and coconuts. But I do wish the goats wouldn’t eat the hibiscus, for hibiscus leaves also have definite food value!

You can see these horrible snails squashed along every yard of Bulominski’s famed highway, which also scintilates with the fragments of millions of smashed snail-shells.

More Delay Ik Rose Bay

Flying-Boat Case

SYDNEY, December 7.

THE managing-director of Trans Oceanic Airways, Mr. Bryan Wills Monkton, who was brought before the Central Court here, on October 12, on a charge of malicious damage to a Catalina flying boat at Rose Bay, and remanded to December 7, was further remanded to-day to February 7. Application for remand was made by the Police Prosecutor on the grounds that a Crown witness, whose name he refused to divulge, would not be available until then.

The charge against Monkton arose out of an incident on the night of August 27, when a Qantas flying-boat, lying at Rose Bay, Sydney, was destroyed by fire following a mysterious explosion. Investigation showed that a crude time-bomb had been used.

When Monkton appeared before the Central Court to-day he was accompanied by his solicitor, Mr. E. Murray Robson, MLA. Mr. Robson asked for the name of the Crown Witness in view of his client’s six years of service in the RAAF and the respect in which he was held in aviation circles in Australia. He said that it was thought that the witness in question was a former employee of TOA who was discharged in circumstances amounting almost to dishonesty and that it was felt that he would not return to the jurisdiction of the Court. His request was refused.

Mr. Robson said that Mr. J. W. Shand, KC, had been retained for the defence. 11 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

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Pacific Islands

YEAR BOOK 1950 EDITION Will Be Published Early in the New Year THIS is now the world’s Standard Reference Book on the Islands of the Pacific. There have been five earlier Editions—in 1932, 1935, 1939, 1942 and 1944. The 1944 Edition, which was called the Wartime Edition, carried a great deal of material dealing with the Pacific War, and contained 384 pages and many Inset Maps.

Since the end of the Pacific War, in 1945, practically every Territory in the Pacific has been subject to farreaching changes of a political, social and commercial character.

Consequently, the 1944 Edition has been completely revised, so as to show these numerous changes.

The hook has been enlarged to take care of a great deal of additional matter. There are, for example, new sections dealing with Air Transportation, the Trusteeship Territories, the South Pacific Commission, the new market background behind the Copra Industry, and so on. There are new and improved maps.

Every Territory and Islands Group is described in detail — geography, history, administration, population, commerce, education, health, etc.

There is a complete directory of all the Christian Missions operating in the South Pacific Islands. The Index has been checked and enlarged.

There is a complete History and Chronology of the Pacific War (1941-1945).

Production has been much delayed by Australia’s economic and industrial troubles, but the new book is now scheduled for publication early in the New Year.

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South Pacific

COMMISSION Substantial Progress In One Year Organisation Based on Noumea IN the twelve months since the Commission inaugurated its permanent organisation and chose Noumea as its permanent seat, important progress has been made.

The Research Council held its first meeting in May, 1949, and laid the ground-plan of the work programme in its 28 Projects.

The Commission adopted these projects, authorised immediate expenditure for 1949 and, at the recent session, made budgetary provision for carrying them on in 1950.

The Secretariat was transferred in March from the temporary headquarters at Mosman, NSW, and established at the Pentagon Building at Anse Vata, Noumea.

The Commission has now decided that the Pentagon Building will serve as permanent headquarters and has agreed on the main lines of a financial agreement with the French authorities in respect of the expenses of reconstructing the building.

The French authorities have drawn un a plan for the permanent housing of members of the Commission staff.

All six of the Principal Officers (the Secretary-General, the Deputy Chairman of the Research Council, the Deputy- Headquarters: Anse Vata Noumea, New Caledonia Secretary-General and the Members of the Research Council for Health, Economic Development and Social Development) have been appointed since November 1, 1948, and appointments have been made to some of the senior posts in the Secretariat —other posts so far being held on a temporary basis.

The international character of the staff has been preserved. Those so far appointed for one year or longer comprise three Australians, three Frenchmen, three Netherlanders, one New Zealander, one Englishman and one American.

The clerical and typing staff is drawn mainly from Australia, New Caledonia and New Zealand, The phase in which organisation necessarily occupied the main attention is passing; many of the Projects have been launched; and arrangements for putting the others into operation are in hand.

The adoption of the first budget for a full operational year (the 1950 Budget considered at the recent Session) will be a landmark, and the holding of the first South Pacific Conference at Nasinu, Fiji, in April next, will complete a full cycle of the meetings of the Commission and its auxiliary bodies.

Introduction of New Plants TWO of the Commission’s economic development projects will be carried out in New Caledonia.

Arrangements have been in hand for some time to develop gardens for the introduction of economic plants and the

Fiji Police Officers 45 Years Ago

This interesting old photograph shows the Fiji Constabulary in the making. The organisation which now has a fine record, was brought into being about 1906 by legislation that was based on the constitution of the Royal Irish Constahulery. .Before that, Fiji was policed by officers—mostly old Army men —who bad only local responsibility.

This group of officers of the new police force was taken in the year in which King Edward Vll died, hence the black arm-bands.

Back row: Sub-Inspector Ratu Ephereni, Sub- Inspector McDermott, Sub-Inspector C. A.

Swinbourne, Sub- Inspector Stanlake, Sub- Inspector Wager, Sub-Inspector Ratu Inoke.

Front) row: Sub-Inspector Pennefather, Inspector Francis (now Sir Brook Francis), the late Hon. Ismay McOwan (Inspector General), Sub-Inspector Barnett, Sub-Inspector Scott-Young.

Some of these men became well known in later years. Messrs. Swinbourne and Wager, both retired, are residents of Sydney. We are endebted to Mr. Wager for the loan of this valuable old print. 13 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER. 1949

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PACIFIC ISLAND DISTRIBUTORS FOR: BRADFORD COMMERCIAL VEHICLES AND JOWETT JAVELIN CARS study of these plants, in order to find varieties suitable for cultivation in South Pacific Islands (Project E/l).

A suitable tract of land in the Port La Guerre area has been selected, on which the New Caledonia Government proposes to establish a farm school, a model farm and a reafforestation project. Introduction gardens will form part of this work, and the ways in which the Commission and its research officers will assist have been agreed upon.

Similar work will be carried out at Nanduruloulou in Pitt under the same Project, An area suitable for the pilot-land-usesurvey, provided for in Pro.iect E/4, has New b Ca?edonto 6n in" the 6 „, e „'' Thesnrvev will he made bv j°S “expSTK! M 153 surveyor) selected by the Commission.

Council D Tr ty ßaa^c a king exp£tT?S ISTmS convinced The fortw? <S™ev Chairman of the The findings will be imnortant in connection with afforestatSn^Mature dl ve'oSment and a hy“S re“ 6 d6 ‘ Final details and formal arrangement* between the cISSnSSi and thl nTw Caledonia administration are now being wlrked out b c A ji r nVQ i ooii on lorai isianus MEANWHILE, the deputy chairman has Uf a ?vL SOme inter ® stin .f investigations i O -ei t IS pl £ c . ess °? on coral islands; this work has been done on the Isle aux Canards, off Anse Vata Bay, near Noumea.

One result, so far, has been the isolation of representatives of anew group of nitrogen-fixing bacteria which may be of great importance in the formation of soil from coral sand.

Initial steps have been taken for the preparation of a handbook of weeds of the South Pacific area.

Field work as a preliminary to experiments designed to establish methods for controlling the Guave has been begun by the Deputy Chairman and Dr. Me- Daniels; the Institut Francais d’Oceanie is being consulted also.

Tiikurnilnsi'B War on I ÜberculOSlS for the Commission’s I tuberculosis team to start work in been toeffiflk Mw l Sin of the French Coloni?! Medical nfcian radi ° BraPher Project 1 H/3°win e b e ea to dj*fferent antigens and methods used in tuberculin tests in various racial and age S roups in the South Pacific area * and to compare the radiographic appearances in tne World Health Organisation classification of Tuberculosis, and to examine the possibility of producing simple techniques in radiography suitable under field ?onditions.”

The team will move on to other territories after it has made its investigations in New Guinea.

Plans for Better Food HTHE Member for Health is seeking a 1 nutritionist to make studies of dietary requirements of indigenous peoples of the South Pacific and also to work out suitable menus and demonstrate methods of preparation of foods Tbi* wnrk . fpvnipct* tt 9 „ r4 ii begS in the Melanesian aria needs are most urgent nrnhahiv in Jhp Mew Hebrides and y n tn ew ±leDrmes ana Solomons, NAfnMo Fvnorimonf in noiaoie experiment in FIJI rpHE Research Council Member for I Social Develonment Mr H f Mande has given considerable HrrTe and Xught in g rec?n“ weeks to the pioneer experiment in Community Development on Moturiki islet in Fiji This is the subject of an article on Pages 61 and 62, where the plan is ex- P CUSSed ’

Pacific-Wide Interest

The progress of this experimental at- «srt°s! offers a possible solution to some of their own problems. Whether it succeeds or &, ll6> how l ever - will depend primarily on the people of Moturiki themselves, on SSSMShe" ‘ W ° rk Wffl cessarny aevoive.

Mr. Maude has pointed out that a unique opportunity for achieving a measure of social and economic develooment is being offered to them: one can but hope that, with wise leadership, they will take full advantage of it. --- France has warmly thanked the Australian Government for its friendly gesture i n cancelling the debt of £7OO 000 for arm- Sg and French Pacific fl^s during World War 11. 15 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

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RABAUL ~ KAVIENC J Copra Sacks May Be Scarcer and Dearer Next Year A TARIFF war between India and Pakistan may result in a steep increase in the cost of copra sacks (and a sharp decline in their production) next year.

India does most of the jute processing; Pakistan grows the fibre. Recently, India began raising the duty on raw jute with the result that Pakistan stopped sending it across the border. Sacks in India jumped from the equivalent of 27/6 per dozen to about 42/- per dozen (Australian) ; the Calcutta jute market closed down and sales are limited now to blackmarket dealings. India is reported to be increasing her own production of raw jute but it will take three years before she is self-sufficient.

There has been a shortage of bags and sacks since the end of the war but the position has eased slightly in the last two years. The bumper Australian wheat harvest of two years ago found Australia unprepared as far as sacks were concerned. Copra producing territories, dependent upon Australia for copra sacks, consequently went short also. A betterthan-average wheat crop is again being harvested in Australia at the present time.

It is reported that there are ample supplies of jute and hessian available in the Commonwealth to cope with it but after that the outlook is grim. Australia has a quota of 100,000 tons of jute a year but the demand of sacks is growing all the time.

Although the cultivation of other fibreproducing plants (sisal, ramie, etc.) has been boosted in tropical and sub-tropical territories from time to time, nothing seems to have displaced jute as a material for sacks. At present two young servicemen in Sydney are engaged in cultivating acres of canna lilies, which are known to most amateur gardeners. It is said that the fibres of the roots can be used as a substitute for jute and similar commercial fibres.

Unknown N. Guinea

Patrol Now Examining Central- Western Region PT. MORESBY, Dec. 6.

PENETRATION of the huge, wellpopulated and generally unknown region that lies near the centre of New Guinea, south-eastwards of the point in the mountains where the boundaries of Australian New Guinea, Dutch New Guinea and Papua meet, is now being undertaken by a small party in charge of Mr.

Allan Timperley (Assistant District Officer at Mount Hagen) and Patrol Officer Corrigan, They are making the first direct patrol from Mount Hagen. (New Guinea Central Highlands) to Lake Kutubu (near the western end of Papua).

Mr. Ivan Champion and the late Mr.

Jack Hides, two of the most distinguished members of the late Sir Hubert Murray’s Administration, were the first men to enter and report upon this interesting country.

Several different branches of a superior type of native live in the broad valleys and high, fertile plateaus that lie in this interior, protected by almost impassable chains of mountains and a rather terrifying “limestone barrier.”

Mr. Hides, in the ‘thirties, left the Administration service and took a small expedition into this country, via the Fly and the Strickland, in search of gold.

They got out, after suffering great privations; but Lyall, Hides’s companion, died at Daru, and Hides died not long afterwards, in Sydney.

Although it has been examined frenuently from the air, the whole region, embracing the headwaters of the Fly, Strickland, Sepik and Purari rivers, is still partly unmapped and unknown.

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Pacific Franc

Devaluation Causes Irritation In French Colonies rpHERE has been much perturbation in L French-Pacific commercial and financial circles sine the £ Stg. was devalued in mid-September.

Prance was not consulted by Britain before the drastic step was taken; and, as the franc is an important factor in Western European economy, and closely linked with Sterling, France was acutely embarrassed, and the French Government collapsed.

Before Sterling was de-valued, the Pacific franc was quoted at 159 to the Australian £. Probably, if the Australian £ had not also been de-valued. the Pacific franc would not have altered; but when the Australian £ followed Sterling to the new level, the French in New Caledonia and French Oceania did not know what to do.

Finally, they decided to follow the £ only half-way. At the end of November, they were quoting the Pacific franc at 141.75 to the Australian £, as compared with 159 (equal to 70 francs to the US dollar). This represented a devaluation of rather more than 12i per cent., whereas the British and Australian £, in relation to the Dollar, had gone down nearly 30 per cent.

This meant that Australian exporters, in relation to the markets of New Caledonia and Tahiti, were given a sharp advantage over French exporters, French merchants generally are finding the situation difficult. The French authorities are trying to keep all possible French trade in French channels; but the natural tendency is to buy in the cheapest market— Australia.

The New Caledonian General Council is supporting a vigorous protest by the Noumea Chamber of Commerce against the devaluation of the Pacific franc. The Governor-General has been asked to inform the French Government of the protest and of the alarm of the local population at this blow to their economic welfare. A serious view is taken of the interruption of French trade with the New Hebrides. French trade there, it is alleged, has been paralysed in favour of the British as a result of devaluation.

The other side of the picture is seen already in the nickel and chrome industry of New Caledonia. As a result of the new rates a large increase in exports of nickel matte and chrome ore is expected in 1950.

New Caledonia, in 1950, is increasing postages on ordinary letters by 50 per cent, (from 2 to 3 francs—one franc is worth about one and two-thirds Australian pennies) and telegraphic charges by 300 per cent.

In November, New Caledonia held 1,100,000 US dollars, £225,000 Sterling, and £280,000 Australian —described as “a favourable situation.”

Owing to the higher cost of Australian flour, the price of bread in Noumea has gone from 11.20 to 11.65 francs per loaf.

Mr. Bill Murrain, American circumnavigator, paid a visit to Sydney in November. He arrived in Port Moresby at the end of October in his stainless steel 30-ft. yacht, Seven Seas 11, after spending over two years in a leisurely crossing of the Pacific, and visiting many Territories.

He left his interesting craft in Port Moresby, and flew South for a brief spell of city life. 17 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

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Mr. Harry Edmunds has been promoted to the post of Assistant Postmaster- General, Fiji. He joined the Posts and Telegraphs Department in 1921 as a telephone operator. He later became a postal clerk and on various occasions has acted as Postmaster at Levuka, Lautoka and Suva. He was appointed Assistant Accountant in June. 1946, and Accountant in July. 1948.

HV Royal Flight Now Fiji Governor’s Yacht The 56-ft. twin “Gardner”-Diesel, twinscrew, motor-vessel, Royal Flight, owned by Group-Captain and Mrs. Garnet Malley, of Sydney, has recently been purchased by the Fiji Government. She will henceforth be the Govenment yacht, conveying the Governor to outlying Islands, and will undertake much of the work done up to date by the “Adi Beti.”

With exception of two months, when they loaned their Royal Flight to the J. Arthur Rank Company for the purpose of filming the Blue Lagoon in Fiji waters, Group-Captain and Mrs. Malley have for the past three years been cruising around the Pacific Islands in this yacht.

They are at present at their plantation at Vanua M’Balavu, in the Lau Exploring Group, Fiji Islands.

Islanders Do Well From Pearling Activities DURING 12 months activities, a fleet of 31 pearling vessels operated by Torres Strait Islanders, earned £67,547.

The boats won 162 tons of mother-ofpearl, worth £53,142, and 228 tons of trochus shell, worth £14,405.

The biggest money was earned by Tanu date by the “Adi Beti.”

Most of the male population of the Torres Strait Islands work in the pearling industry. Some own their luggers and others work for pearling companies. For year ended June 30 the islanders’ savings bank accounts increased by £lO,OOO over the previous year’s figure.

Price of pearl shell has dropped, however, from over £7OO per ton in 1946 to between £3OO-£4OO, and trochus shell from £l6O to £72. Some believe that the present market is not stable and prices may drop even further.

DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

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Overwhelming Result of Fijis Anti-TBAppeal From Our Own Correspondent SUVA, Nov. 14.

ALL estimates of the success of Fiji’s War Memorial Anti-TB Appeal have gone overboard, and it now appears that the fund will close, for 1949, somewhere near £60,000, or approximately 50 per cent, over the target set on August 16.

This figure does not include the Government’s donation of £20,000.

The astonishing result of the appeal has been due to the reaction of the “small people’’—Fijans. Europeans, Indians, Chinese, Polynesians and others alike.

Apart from the generous support of a few big commercial organisations, cf which the CSR Company, the Associated Goldmines (£3,000), and W. R. Carpenter and Co. (Fiji) Ltd., are by far the most outstanding, the response of the wealthiest sections of the community has done little to help achieve the total.

At times there have been flickers of criticism of the appeal, mostly from those who express distrust of anything of the kind in which the Government has a hand, but there has been an emphatic demonstration of public impatience with unconstructive quibbling—sc emphatic that the 1949 Appeal will go down as the first movement of any sort that has overridden all the racial, religious and other sectional barriers that commonly divide Fiji into suspicious and sometimes bitterly opposed factions.

The central committee of the appeal organisation admits that in the early days £35,000 was regarded as a likely figure.

Administration cf Fund A BILL will be introduced at the Budget session of the Legislative Council (which was opened on November 25) providing for the establishment and administration of the War Memorial Anti- Tuberculosis Fund.

Five trustees will be appointed by the Governor to see that “the purpose for which the fund shall be used and applied shall be the prevention and control of tuberculosis in the Colony and the treatment and welfare of persons suffering from tuberculosis in the Colony.”

Some of the uses the fund —or what remains after deduction of the capital expenditure of £30,000 —will be the erection and extension of wards and hospitals for the treatment of tubercular patients; the erection of staff quarters, clinics, laboratories and other buildings; the equipment and furnishing of the new wards and hospitals; the travelling expenses of tubercular patients to and from hospitals or clinics; the supply of comforts to TB patients; the after-care of discharged patients.

Whatever portion of the fund is not required for immediate needs may be invested in England or Fiji.

Mrs. Phyllis Keenan, wife of ADO J.

R. Keenan of Rabaul, arrived in Sydney late in November on MV Bulolo.

Early in January she will leave for the United Kingdom. She will be joined there by her husband later in 1950. 2,000 MILES IN 26 FT. LAUNCH North Queensland newspapers in November gave prominence to the voyage of 2,000 miles of a 26 ft. launch, made under the direction of Captain G. Wyeth.

Captain Wyeth, who is a member of the firm of Capricorn Charters, of Gladstone, had for crew an apprentice named Stan Little, and was charged with the responsibility of delivering the boat, which was constructed at Eallina, NSW, at Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. He successfully accomplished his mission.

Throughout the voyage the only calls made into ports were for fuel. The journey was completed mainly in daylight; at nights the boat was anchored in the lee of the islands. Fortunately, the entire trip was accompanied by fine weather. The launch is powered with a 16 h.p. diesel engine, and had three tons of stores as ballast.

This is the second lengthy voyage made by George Wyeth. Last year he took the 50 ft. ketch, Capriccn, from Sydney to Honiara, British Solomon Islands. Organisation for construction and delivery of this vessel was in the hands of William E.

Reed, Sydney. 19 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

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Death Of Farrell

Arch-Villain of New Guinea Timber Case THE death occurred in November of Edward Farrell, the arch-villain of the New Guinea Timber inquiries which absorbed over a year of the time of Australian Teiritories Minister Ward.

The “syndicate” which claimed it had a timber concession, and bush-ranged the Queensland timber company, Hancock and Gore Ltd., to the tune of £50,000, originally comprised Farrell, Jock Garden, Jock’s son, Harcourt, and Ray Parer.

Jock was put into gaol for conspiracy and allied offences; Harcourt Garden and Ray Parer were tried and acquitted: but Farrell escaped prosecution on the ground of serious ill-health. Judge Ligertwood, who eventually, as a Royal Commissioner, cleared up the whole unsavoury mess, said that Farrell was the chief conspirator.

Farrell was engaged in some sort of activity in and around the New Guinea goldfields before the war, and he knew that a New Guinea timber concession would be extremely valuable. It was he who conceived the idea of using Parer to get a concession through Jock Garden (the Minister’s intimate associate and confidant), and he who carried on the extraordinary negotiations with Hancock and Gore.

Although Farrell escaped prosecution on health grounds in 1948-49, he was quite able to give evidence at the Ligertwood inquiry, and there was a howl a few months ago when, following the Judge’s report, the Federal and State Labour Governments refused to take action against him. However, it is now apparent that he was close to death’s door; and the Reaper has now gathered him in. He ruined a couple of lives and at least one political reputation.

Jock Garden probably will be out of gaol soon. The only net results of the notorious Timber Lease case are, therefore that Jock Garden was branded criminal and sent to gaol; Farrell was branded arch-rogue, and is dead; and the Queensland timber company is the loser of £50,000. It does not appear that anyone ever tried seriously to find out what became of that £50,000.

Meanwhile, it is now proposed that the New Guinea timber-bearing country in question shall be worked by the Australian Government and Bulolo Gold Dredging- Ltd., in co-operation—BGD presumably to provide the operating organisation. Up to date, it has been the proud boast of Minister Ward that any timber-getting concessions given in New Guinea would be obtained only by public tender.

BSI Plantation Co. Shows Profit SOLOMON ISLANDS RUBBER PLAN- TATIONS LTD., a Brisbane-owned, 40-year-old company which produces copra on Ysabel, in the Solomons, and which was out of production during the war years, made a net profit of £1,609 last year (July 31). It thus was able to wipe out an accumulated loss of £1.534 in its trading account, and go forward with a credit balance of £75. Indications are that, under the guaranteed price, it will continue to make profits for two or three years. It has an issued capital of £77,000; and there are accumulated arrears of some £1,400 on its £17,000 of preference shares. It balances its accounts by showing “War Damage” at £3.795 —but notes that no war damage now is payable in respect of the Solomons.

Nz And France Have Air

AGREEMENT THE New Zealand and French Governments, on November 15, came to an interim agreement in respect of aircraft landing rights in the territories in the South Pacific under their respective control. A more formal agreement is expected to follow, later.

By the interim agreement, the NZ Government grants to a French airline traffic rights in certain NZ Pacific Territories while the French Government has undertaken to grant similar rights in French territories to an airline to be designated by the NZ Government.

In practice, this agreement is at present one-sided as the only airline affected by it is the French TRAPAS service which runs monthly between Noumea, New Caledonia, and Tahiti with calls at airports in Fiji, Western Samoa and Cook Islands— the two last named being NZ-controlled Territories. This service has been operating for a year or so. The new agreement merely regularises it and will probably permit now, of the TRAPAS plane picking up and setting down passengers, mails or cargo at Western Samoa and Cook Islands airports.

There is no New Zealand air service which at present uses airports in French Pacific possessions. However, the agreement provides for the NZ Government to designate an operator to use such facilities if and when NZ’s air network is extended to include French possessions in the Pacific.

Dr. H. S. Evans, who has been on holiday in the United Kingdom, has returned to Fiji, accompanied by his wife.

Dr. Evans is to be posted to Rotuma as a combined Medical and District Officer. 21 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

The “Scope”

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Mr L. C. Grant, OBE, who has been appointed Chief Engineer, Posts and Telegraphs Department on agreement for three years, has arrived in Fiji, He served in India from 1925 until last year. He will replace Mr. R. C. Farquhar as Chief Engineer. Mr. Farquhar, who has been filling the post for some years as a reemployed pensioner will go to the United Kingdom on retirement leave next year.

Miss Maureen Mclvor has joined the Australian Broadcasting Commission’s staff at Port Moresby, Papua.

Rabaul Roundabout

From Our Own Correspondent RABAUL, Nov. 25.

THE New Guinea Administration is encouraging the establishment of native-owned cocoa plantations in the Rabaul district. Mr. Overstone of the Department of Agriculture has already inspected five blocks of land owned by the people of villages situated at Kabaira Bay, and has found it suitable for cocoa planting. The blocks, which will total more than sixty acres, are within easy road access of one another and when production stage is reached the villages will share in the construction of common fermentation vats and driers.

Clearing will start immediately and planting will commence early in the New Year. * DURING a recent visit to the Duke of York ~ Islands, District Officer J.

K. McCarthy, of Rabaul, attended the village council of the Group. The council stated that native lands were scarce, owing to large areas having been alienated during German times, and despite the existence of native reserves, land was now insufficient for food requirements, if full economical development was to be carried out. The matter is being investigated by officials of the Department of District Services and Native Affairs. * MR. K. C. DOUGLAS, of San Remo Plantation, Talasea District departed for Australia recently, where he will join his wife and son in Tasmania.

He will place his son at that famous old school in Hobart, ‘Hutchins,” where he was also a pupil. Mr. Douglas is wellknown to most Territorians as a most able planter and owner of San Remo. * RECENT visitors to Rabaul during November were Mr. W. R. Humphries, Director of Native Labour, who also paid a visit to Sohano; Mr. W. C. Groves, Director of Education and Mrs. Groves who had an extensive tour, visiting New Ireland and its outlying islands, also Bougainville. Mr. Blair, Tea Expert from Assam, had a short stay in Rabaul during his tour of the Territories. Mr. Moore, of the South-Pacific Commission accompanied by Mr. Cox, inspected and discussed Visual Education. Judge E. Bignold, on Supreme Court Circuit, accompanied by Mr. S. Johnson, Crown Law Officer and Mrs. W. Watkins. Dr. John Gunther, Director Public Health, who also visited Sohano, Talasea and Kandrian.

Mr. Trigg, motor and marine expert from the Department of Works and Housing, came on general inspection of all transport. * MANY people have left Rabaul during the month aboard BP’s two ships, Malaita and Bulolo. It was the last trip of both ships to Australia before Christmas. Among their recent passengers were District Officer R. M. Farlow: District Officer J. Read and Mrs. Read: Mr. and Mrs. Keith Chambers, and two children; Mr. and Mrs. Ralph and five children; Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Bliss, who came from Madang to join the Bulolo; Mrs. Jack Allan, Mrs. Ormond and her daughter, Mrs. J. D. Reid and two children. 22 DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

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Islands Brances

FIJI: Suva, Lautoka (Agencies at Ba, Nadi Airport, Vatukoula) PAPUA: Port Moresby. NEW GUINEA: Lae, Rabaul, (Incorporated in New South Wales with limited liability) P 14901 THE Church of England Ladies’ Guild, ably led V>y Mrs. Shanley as president and Mrs. Hides as secretary, benefited financially this month by two well-organised evening entertainments— a card party held at the Cosmopolitan Hotel made £l2/-/- and the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera, “Princess Ida,” played on a miniature stage with tiny carved figures representing the actors, operated and loaned by Mr. Len Palmer, netted the sum of £6/13/6.

Nauru’S Sulky

COMMUNITIES Time Has Come for a New Outlook (Contributed) THE 1,500 Chinese labourers employed by the British Phosphate Commission on Nauru are well-housed, wellfed and well-paid; but they are not welldisciplined, and they are “a pain in the neck” to the Australian Administration (which governs Nauru on behalf of the joint Trustees, Britain, Australia and New Zealand).

Before the war, there were about the same number of Chinese, 1,500, here but there was no political or industrial trouble of any kind on Nauru (or, to give it its older name, Pleasant Island). The Chinese, mostly from Hongkong, sought the Nauru labour contract eagerly—the clean, safe life and comparatively good food were very attractive, in comparison with conditions in China. Many of them, repatriated in accordance with their contract, came back to Nauru again and again.

To-day, there are only Chinese workers on Nauru, and they appear to have been affected by Communist agitators. They are often sulky, aggressive, dissatisfied and unwilling to give a fair day’s toil. Their attitude is generally anti-European.

The problem of maintaining order in the Territory defeated the late Administrator, and it is by no means solved. Canberra has appointed a Labour politician from South Australia who does not appear to have had one hour’s practical experience of tropical administration, to be the new Governor; but that does not seem the ideal solution.

THERE is trouble also on the native side.

There were some 1,700 native Nauruans there in 1939, but the Japs exterminated some hundreds of them in 1942-45. However, they have made a quick recovery, and they now number nearly 1,500. Before the war, they were a happy, contented community—probably, because they get regular royalties on all phosphate mined, one of the richest native communities in the Pacific.

But their temper has changed. They seem discontented and querulous, and full of grievances. Their grievances seem petty, and mostly imaginary. There are agitators among them, who encourage them to complain to the Trusteeship Council —to the great embarrassment of the Australian Socialist Government.

There is only one way to restore peace and harmony on Nauru—and that is by firm discipline, based on strict justice. The Chinese and native communities, on this isolated island, if given any encouragement, will exaggerate their grievances— and, if they have none to exaggerate, they will imagine some. The spectacle of Australian politicians grovelling before them, and urging them to be good little boys, has been a nauseating one during 1949 — and it has achieved nothing. A clear-cut policy, based on justice, and strong police action, are what is needed on Nauru.

A “delegation” from the Trusteeship Council of the United Nations is expected to visit Nauru at an early date. If Canberra is following its policy of recent times —“the Chinese and the natives are always right”—then the idealists and New Planners of UNO probably will just about take Nauru apart.

Miss Elsie Smith, matron of the Methodist Orphanage, Fiji, who has been on furlough in Melbourne, left on December 2 to return to Fiji, where she has completed 21 years’ service.

A regulation to establish a Government Savings Bank in BSI came into force on October 27. Deposits of up to a total of £l,OOO may be deposited at £2 per cent, interest per annum. Deposits in excess of £l,OOO will not be interest-bearing.

On his return from France Father Gagnaire, of the Marist Mission, formerly of Poya on the New Caledonian mainland, has been sent to Ouvea, where he will be assisted by Father Regent. Sister Marie- Jean-Baptiste, of the Ouvea mission recently died. She had been with the mission on this island since February, 1890. 23 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

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Difficulties of Small Gold Cos.

In Papua-New Guinea Sandy Creek and Enterprise Report Losses REPORTS from two New Guinea goldmining companies indicate the crushing difficulties of rehabilitation, high labour and material costs that have confronted the smaller companies in Papua-New Guinea since the end of the war. After these balance-sheets were made up, however, gold (because of the devaluation of sterling and the Australian £ against the dollar), increased from approximately £10 Australian per ounce to £15 Australian. This should boost all gold-mining companies’ profits in the Territory in the current year—if the rot has not gone too far.

Sandy Creek Gold Sluicing SANDY CREEK GOLD SLUICING LTD., which operates in the Morobe goldfield, New Guinea, has again met considerable ill fortune. The result of it is that for the year ending March 31, 1949, a loss of £4,455 was sustained. In the previous year the company showed a profit of £988.

During the period under review 1,192 ounces of gold were recovered from the company’s properties which realised £10,266 or 2/4 per cubic yard. Cost of working averaged 2/9 per cubic yard.

The Sandy Creek property yielded poor results at the latter end of the financial year and torrential rain in February, 1949, broke the race supplying water to the workings. As repairs would have been costly it was decided to abandon operations on this property. Revaluation of this property necessitated the writing off of £60,000. _ t .

The Watut property could not be worked satisfactorily as pre-war water pipes then in use, would not stand the head of water necessary to work the richest, but very deep, ground. Operations had to be confined to ground sluicing of terrace deposits. .... . , Although floods had contributed to losses of the Company early in 1949, drought conditions later took toll. In a report issued in mid-November, on progress made after the close of the financial year, it was stated that from July to September the water supply to the Watut property was so inadequate that it was decided to suspend all operations and renew the steel pipes that form the pressure column from the race to the workings:.

Work was resumed during October and for that month 48 ounces of gold were recovered from 3,816 cubic yards of gravel treated.

Enterprise of NG Also Takes Loss ENTERPRISE of New Guinea Gold and Petroleum Development NL for the year ending August 31, reports a deficit of £5,744. Loss for 1947-48 was £3,391.

Tai Shek's Appeal Case on December 15 First of its Kind in Fiji From Our Own Correspondent SUVA, Nov. 27.

THE first sitting of Fiji’s new Court of Appeal will be opened in Suva on December 15. The Court will comprise the Chief Justice, the Puisne Judge and the British Judge in the New Hebrides.

The first appeal set down for hearing is that against the death sentence imposed on Tai Shek at the conclusion of his trial in the Supreme Court, Suva, on September 26. Tai Shek was found guilty of the murder of T. W. Allen, a British Phosphate Commission engineer, and his wife, at Ocean Island on April 26. Three of the assessors at the trial gave an opinion of “guilty” to his Honor, Mr. R.

C. G. D. Higginson and the remaining two said “not guilty.” Mr. Gordon Bryce appeared for the Crown and Mr. H. Maurice Scott for the defence.

Automatic Telephones

Proposed For Suva

SUVA. Nov. 21.

SUVA’S antiquated manual telephone exchange, as every user of the system is well aware, is all but falling apart with age.

The Development Revision Report states that nearly 200 potential subscribers are waiting for connections and applications are constantly being added, but not another connection can be made.

“Expert advice has been obtained, and assurances have been given that an automatic system will function satisfactorily in Suva’s damp tropical climate,” the reports states. An allocation of £122.000 for the provision of an automatic system with individual meters has been made.

Annual rental of £4 would be charged and Id. for each call. This, it is estimated, would return a revenue of about £17,300 a year. 24

December, 1949 - Pacific Islands Monthly

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Red Tape In French Oceania

Discouragement of Casual Travellers (Contributed) AN article entitled “Travellers and Currency in New Caledonia” prompts me to write about similar conditions in French Oceania.

Visitors to the fabled island of Tahiti— now a paradise for French officials—are confronted with endless red tape, in place of the traditional hospitality.

When a foreigner arrives he is forced to declare all his currency. That money must either be deposited in the local bank, or converted into francs by the bank, which takes its percentage.

Certain amounts have been fixed as to what a tourist is expected to spend per person per month. For example, an American is obliged to spend 200 dollars per month. Close supervision is kept on all tourists and if they do not spend the fixed amount they are told in no uncertain terms to leave the colony.

Recently, some tourists were informed in very insulting language that the only reason they were tolerated in Tahiti was because of the need for foreign exchange; and, if they did not spend the prescribed amount, they had no business staying on.

This may be a surprise to those who saw the recent article in PIM which stated that our newest Governor was anxious to encourage the tourist business.

Before the war, if one wished to visit Tahiti, all that was necessary was a round-trip ticket and a visa from the nearest French consul, obtainable in a matter of minutes. Now, a prospective visitor must pay the consul the fee for a cable to Tahiti and the necessary answer from the Governor, authorising him to obtain the visa before the consul may issue the visa. Then, one is allowed to buy a round-trip ticket to Tahiti. As stated above all money must be declared on arrival and a close check is maintained on the visitor, as though he were a dangerous criminal.

If one wants to visit the outer islands— for example, Bora Bora—a letter to the Governor is necessary. Before permission is granted the official in charge of such matters carefully consults the bank and, if the visitor is not guilty of the crime of trying to live economically, and has spent his 200 dollars per month, he is allowed to make the visit. If the unsuspecting tourist has not spent his quota of 200 dollars per month, he receives a severe tongue-lashing and is asked to leave the colony, A wonderful French way of developing the tourist trade!

When the tourist leaves, he is made to account for all the money he originally declared and a check is made with the bank to be sure that no discrepancies exist. Then, after a careful search of his luggage, the departing traveller is allowed to go aboard the vessel and depart.

Such an attitude, and way of treating tourists, cannot possibly encourage more to come nor to bring in many dollars. On the other hand, it is a well-known fact that almost all the government officials have traded in the black market. It is widely rumoured that one fonctionnaire recently made over 9,000 dollars in black market currency dealings. Small wonder the colony’s finances are not very stable!

All colonies in the Pacific, interested in developing a tourist trade, would do well, by way of contrast, to look at Bermuda and Nassau, in the Atlantic Ocean. Those two places have the minimum of restrictions and red tape. No passports, no 25

Pacific Islands Monthly December. 19* 4 9

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The only requirement is a round-trip ticket. The result is that each prospers, and neither is short on dollars.

Please excuse me for wishing to remain anonymous; my reasons are most obvious. I live in Tahiti because I like the Polynesians and not the bureaucratic French officials, who systematically drain all the fat off the land.

The Other Side of the Picture AFTER "the above article was in type, we had the pleasure of a call, at the PIM offices, from Mr. Anthony Bambridge, a leading business and public man of Tahiti, who was spending a brief holiday in Sydney with Mrs. and Miss Bambridge.

It soon was apparent that Mr. Barnbridge is not only an admirer of the Governor, M. Anziani, and acquainted with the latter’s policy of encouraging the tourist traffic: he also is au fait with the exchange problem in French Oceania.

The Government, says Mr. Bambridge, applies the exchange regulations strictly in order to protect both the tourists and the Tahitians themselves. There are two classes of people whom the Government does not want in Tahiti —the black marketeer in currency, and the beachcomber class. The former is a new pest, which has developed since the war. The latter was an old pest, before the war, and the French authorities want to keep him out, now.

The Chinese traders of Tahiti will very willingly give, for United States dollars, far more than the official rate (about 70 Pacific francs to the dollar); and, naturally, the travellers are happy to part with their dollars on those terms. But, if that kind of trading is not checked, it is inevitable that the cost of goods and service in Tahiti will rise against the holders of dollars.

People from America also arrive from time to time with cars or boats, which eventually they desire to sell. Here, again, there is a chance of black marketeering—certain classes in Tahiti are eager to pay, in francs, far more than the French authorities say is the fair value of those things. To guard against inflation, all such transactions must be very carefully policed.

That is why such firm controls over exchange are clamped on, as described by our contributor.

The insistence that visitors shall spend a certain minimum sum per month is 26 DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

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Fiji Representatives: Pearce & Co. Ltd., Suva. based on the French authorities’ determination to keep out the beachcombing class. In past times, large numbers of Europeans, with slender resources—or with no resources at all—attracted by the charm and ease of life in Tahiti, settled themselves in the country. But a large proportion of them accepted no obligation to work —they took fullest advantage of native hospitality, and literally lived on the natives. That created a state of affairs that, socially and economically, was undesirable.

The official view is that if a person does not spend 200 dollars per month on living expenses (normally, about £4O) he is of no use to the Territory, which does not seek permanent new settlers of European origin. Bona fide tourists and new residents with an assured income are economically useful, and are welcome.

Mr. Bambridge has many interests in Tahiti, but he is chiefly concerned with the theatre business. He has practically a monopoly of the cinema theatres and halls throughout French Oceania. He is a handsome, middle-aged man of charming personality, and one of the outstanding figures of Tahiti.

A Plea For The ‘Little People’

EDITORIAL NOTE.—Mr. Bambridge has given what appears to be a complete answer to the charge that the control of exchange by the French administration is not necessary.

But there is one class that is ignored by officialdom. If the number of inquiries received at the PIM offices is any criterion, there are in the world many thousands of modest people, with slender resources, who are desperately anxious to find, among the Pacific Islands, some pleasant place where they may escape the horrors of “modem civilisation.”

They want a place where they may be far off the tracks of snarling industrialists and screeching politicians; where the climate is equable and where there are few tropical diseases; where people are friendly and happy, and a livelihood may be taken from a fertile soil with a minimum of effort. French Oceania conforms to those specifications, and therefore that is the archipelago to which most of these inquirers would go.

But few of them have an income equal to 1,200 dollars a year—most of them have only a limited capital—enough perhaps to take them to Tahiti and establish them in some sort of a home. After that, they would fend for themselves. However, the Government of French Oceania is not friendly to that kind of immigration. It acknowledges that the majority of such people probably would become admirable citizens—but the system would open the doors, once again, to a choice selection of the world’s loafers, who could be as much of a nuisance in the future as they were before World War 11.

It is a pity. Tahiti became worldfamous as a lovely, sub-tropical refuge for the “little people”; and there is a general wish that it should be so again.

Miranda Battered To Death

In Suva Squall

THIS recent photograph shows all that remains of Miranda, a yacht which once held Australian championships.

Some 15 years ago she was taken to Fiji, where she became one of the fastest boats in the Suva Yacht Club. She survived quite a number of mishaps, but recently she became involved in an accident which placed her beyond repair. Early one morning a sudden squall endangered all the Club’s boats and the Miranda dragged her moorings and was thrown onto the breakwater in front of the new Clubhouse.

There, in spite of all efforts, and the help of a gang of 15 prisoners, rushed from the nearby compound, she was pounded to pieces. She now lies inside the prison compound, and is a total loss. Mr.

Robert Hutchinson, who supplied the photograph, says he thinks she was built in Sydney by Lars Halvorsen.

Mrs. C. Ryder, accompanied by her two children, returned to Rabaul recently by the Malaita after spending seven months holiday in Sydney. 27

Pacific Islands Monthly — December. 1949

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Fiji Does Not

NOW NEED

More Export Tax

From Our Own Correspondent SUVA, Nov. 25.

DESPITE the ringing of alarm bells at intervals since the publication of the correspondence between the Governor of Fiji and the Secretary of State for the Colonies on the subject of the proposed copra tax and the raising, at least temporarily, of the sugar export tax, neither levy will be brought up again at the present Budget session of the Legislative Council.

The Governor (Sir Brian Freeston), in his opening address, at the Legislative Council, said: “At this time last year the honourable unofficial members of this council declared their conversion, with remarkable unanimity, to the economic doctrine that all export taxes are radically vicious.”

The Government, he continued, remained firmly of the opinion that taxes on exported commodities, for which the price received by the producer showed a substantial margin over his costs of production, were a fair, proper and convenient means of raising revenue.

Referring -to the published correspondence between himself and the Secretary of State, Sir Brian said: “I venture to express the hope that the study which they have no doubt given to the facts and arguments in support of the true faith set out in Council Paper No. 21 of 1949, will have reconverted them from this momentary lapse into economic heresy.”

“Be that as it may,” the Governor continued, “I wish to make it clear beyond any possibility of ambiguity that, if and when the time should come for looking for fresh sources of revenue, nothing that has been said or done in the last 12 months will deter me or my successors in office from regarding export taxes on prosperous commodities as a wholly legitimate source of such additional revenue.”

The Governor repeated his statement, made during previous debates on the subject, that the Government had no intention of increasing taxes merely for the sake of taxation.

At the present time, he said, the Government’s fiscal requirements for 1950 seemed likely to be fully covered without the need for new taxation. “I do not propose to introduce a copra export tax, even at nominal rates, at this session,” he added, “or to move for the reimposition of an export tax on sugar.”

There was, however, an additional factor. The revised Development Plan envisaged the borrowing on the external market for the developmental purposes of something over £1,000,000.

“We see no necessity for any such borrowing in 1950, but in 1951, or at any rate in 1952, we shall probably wish to place, in London or perhaps in Wellington or Sydney, the first instalment of a Development Loan,” said the Governor, and quoted the repeated London injunction that the British Government’s support for external borrowing by Fiji would depend on its being satisfied that local resources were being fully utilised.

Such an attitude was eminently reasonable in the interests of both the lender and the borrower, and if these oossible circumstances arose, and if the Government found that copra, or sugar, or both, could stand an export tax without detriment, it would have no hesitation whatever in imposing it, the Governor concluded.

WITH revenue at a little over £3,101,000 and expenditure at £2,922,000, the Financial Secretary has budgeted for a surplus of just over £179,000.

The Government subsidy on imported flour, reintroduced after the rise in price which followed the September devaluation of currencies, is estimated at £150,000. (This will keep the price in Fiji down to a pound.) To prevent a rise in the price of petrol and petroleum products a resolution has been moved in the council to reduce the duty on petrol by sd. a gallon and on kerosene by 4d. a gallon. These reductions will cost £70,000 a year.

The plural of spouse is spice.

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Regain your bright and attractive appearance by banishing constipation with Plnkettes. Tiny, perfectly harmless, gentle yet effective, these famous laxative and liver pills painlessly exercise and strengthen the bowels, keep the food tract clean and active, stir the liver, and thus banish sick headache, bilious attacks, pimples, unpleasant breath and gloom. All chemists and stores sell Pinkettes, the perfect laxative and liver pills. 29 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

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Australian-Samoan

TRADE A Good Chance Is Being Missed From Our Own Correspondent APIA. Dec. 1.

THE devaluation of the £ Sterling has had a marked effect in Western Samoa, where—probably because most of Western Samoa’s cocoa is sold in the American market —there always has been a large importation of American goods.

All purchases for which dollars are required are now sharply restricted and, while the present situation lasts, Western Samoa must turn elsewhere for the goods which customarily have been brought in from the United States.

There has been some move here to insist that the tariff should be adjusted to give American goods the same duties as are enjoyed by British goods—but under present conditions little is expected to come of that.

Australian manufacturers and exporters should note that they have an excellent opportunity at present of capturing practically the whole of the Western Samoan market. The depreciation of the Australian £, in relation to both the British and New Zealand £, and the ban on the use of American dollars, means that Australian goods can be landed in Western Samoa at rates with which British and other goods simply cannot compete. Furthermore, Australian goods in this country have a good reputation in regard to quality.

Australia’s greatest present disability in this connection is the lack of a direct shipping service between Australia and Western Samoa. This, combined with the apparent reluctance of Australian exporters to send commercial travellers here with samples, means that many distributors in Western Samoa who would like to try out the Australian lines are forced to buy British and New Zealand goods. Why do not Australian exporters combine, to exploit these markets?

Australia imports a lot of cocoa—it is strange that Australia does not buy the excellent product of the Samoan cocoa plantations. This would help Samoan- Australian trade considerably.

It seems that there is need of some vigorous agency to publicise and straighten out these things.

In the Western Pacific High Commission Gazette of October, and under the Native Status Ordinance, 1941, three men of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony were declared non-native. They are Robert Leonard Sutherland, George John Brechtefeld, and John Armstrong Murdock. 30 DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

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Plans For Development and Social Services From Our Own Correspondent SUVA, Nov. 21.

FIJI’S post-war Ten-Year Plan, which came partly unstuck when the Secretary of State for the Colonies asked for more emphasis on productive development and less on purely welfare schemes, has been put together again by the Development Revision Committee, appointed last year.

The committee, of which the Governor (Sir Brian Freeston) is chairman, has drawn up a plan involving the expenditure of £4,250,000 between 1949 and 1958, approximately as follows: — Economic development £1,500,000 Communications extensions and general £1,500,000 Social services £1,000,000 In reserve £200,000 The £4,250,000 is made up of the £1,000,000 (sterling) allotted to Fiji by Great Britain under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act, plus £85,000 which, it is hoped, will come by way of grants from the Colonial Development and Welfare Funds for research and survey needs, plus £2,000,000 which, the committee recommends, should be raised by local or overseas loans.

In addition, the committee proposes that for the next nine years, £50,000 should be provided each year from public revenue for development works and that £636,690 be appropriated from surplus balances for development.

If this year’s working should show a surplus the greater part of it will be added to the appropriation, and borrowing reduced accordingly.

The proposals allocate £1,531,942, or 36.05 per cent., to schemes relating to production and to the development of natural resources.

The largest item is £566,000, as contribution to the Navua River hydro-electric scheme, followed by £445,000 for feeder roads and £150,000 for agricultural and industrial credit.

Sums of £50,000 for aerial survey, as a preliminary to land development, and of £26,700, for forestry development, are provided.

Social Services

SOCIAL services account for £1,077,507, or 25.35 per cent. This comprises:— £245,942 for the Suva Medical Centre; £200,000 for the Suva water supply; £lOO,OOO for Queen Victoria School (this grant was approved by the Secretary of State last February, after disclosures of the state of neglect into which this famous all-Fijian school had been permitted to fall had produced a storm of public indignation); £BO,OOO for industrial housing; £59,500 for seven Indian central schools; £58,000 for an educational building pool.

The report states: “We cannot agree that expenditure on social services, as they are called, must necessarily be regarded as uneconomic. A country cannot be economically healthy if its people are physically unfit. It cannot achieve maximum output if its workers are unable to contribute sustained and energetic work because of ill health or recurring sickness. Similarly a country cannot progress if its inhabitants are illiterate and unskilled.”

Suva Point Airport

OF the proposed expenditure of £1,500,000 under the heading “Communications and General,” the largest item is £340,000, as Fiji’s contribution to the international airport at Suva Point.

The report makes it clear that the committee allocated this sum “with considerable diffidence.”

However, it states, the allocation represents only one-sixth of the total cost of an irremovable asset, which will always be useful for regional and local services.

“Whatever the ultimate verdict of posterity,” the report adds, “we are convinced at this stage that Fiji stands to lose nothing and may gain much from an international airport. It is at all events worth taking a chance.”

Lautoka’s new electricity plant, installed by the Fiji PWD Department, is now in full operation. Extensions outside the town will be completed next year. Mr. N.

G. Turley is electrical foreman in charge. 31 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

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All Quiet on Fiji’s Industrial Front Governor Reviews Position SUVA, Nov. 25.

NO major upheavals, no startling changes and no memorable events had been recorded in Fiji in the last year, said the Governor (Sir Brian Freeston) when opening the Budget Session of the Legislative Council to-day.

“Thanks to the good sense and the goodwill of all concerned, we have not been vexed with the stupidities of industrial strife,” he said, and added that there were encouraging signs that the various races in Fiji were finding that they had more and more in common.

Fiji was fortunate to be able to record that the year had brought her undisturbed peace, prosperity and a mild measure of progress. Although the Colony’s total turnover in external trade up to the end of October was, at more than £11,500,000, nearly £500,000 less than the figure for the first ten months of 1948, it still represented nearly £5O a head of the population per annum, and the decline was partly accounted for by the fall in copra exports as a result of the devastating December hurricane.

MATERIAL progress had been retarded by the continuing shortages of manpower, machinery and materials, and by the fact that final approval of the Development Plan was still awaited. Nevertheless, without waiting for this approval, spending on new works was going on at the rate of about £150,000 per annum.

“If anyone asks what we have to show for that expenditure,” said Sir Brian, “I would suggest a personal visit of inspection to the Walu Bay reclamation, to the Agricultural Station at Koronivia, or to the beginnings of the new Queen Victoria School at Ngoma Point.”

In the course of his address the Governor announced that he intended to make a brief visit to London early in 1950, and that one of the objects of his journey will be to persuade the powers-that-be in London that Fiji’s Development Plan is the best that can be devised, and to secure final approval for it.

Referring to the report of the Select Committee on Constitutional Reform, which was tabled at the August session of the Legislative Council and will be debated during the present session, the Governor said; “When, and not until, I am in possession of the views of the unofficial members as a body I shall be able to forward those views to the Secretary of State together with my own comments,” he said, and expressed a hope that certain constitutional matters not touched upon in the report would be raised, particularly the questions of admitting women to the voters’ roll and of altering the property qualifications now required from electors and candidates.

Council Extension?

THE Governor pointed out that under the law the present Legislative Council would be dissolved in the latter part of 1950 and a general election would follow.

“The inconvenience of holding a general election at a time when the constitution is in the melting-pot—when constituencies are being rearranged, new voters’ lists prepared and so forth, is so manifest and obvious that it may be considered desirable to invite the Secretary of State’s approval for prolonging the life of this present Council for one year. This is advanced merely as a suggestion, and I shall be much interested to learn how it commends itself to my unofficial friends.” 33 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

BURNS PHILP (New Hebrides) LTD, Registered Office: VILA, NEW HEBRIDES Branch Office at SANTO Exporters, Importers and General Merchants (Retail and Wholesale) Commission, Shipping and Customs Agents Representatives for BURNS PHILP TRUST COMPANY LIMITED, QUEENS- LAND INSURANCE CO., LTD., and LLOYD’S OF LONDON. Agents for

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Sydney Agents: Burns, Philp & Co., Ltd., 7 Bridge Street.

San Francisco Agents: Burns, Philp Co. of San Francisco, Matson Building, 215 Market Street.

London Agents; Burns, Philp 8t Co., Ltd., 35 Crutched Friars, E.C.3.

Corrugated Aluminium Roofing Sheets* a COOL LIGHT ALL PERMANENT A building material has now emerged which can meet the huge demand for homes, schools, industria buildings Corrugated Aluminium Roofing Sheets.

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Sales Agents for New Zealand Richardson McCabe & Co. Ltd.

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Fiji Representatives At

Empire Games

PUR Fijian athletes, Mataika Tuicakau, Orisi Dewa, Manasa Nukuvou and Luke Tunabuna, are at present in training in preparation for the British Empire Games which are to be held at Auckland next February. They are being trained by Mr. H. M. McMillan of Nasinu Training College, who is to go to New Zealand as manager-coach. The performances of the four men are being watched and a decision will be made later as to which of them are to represent Fiji at the Games.

The Fiji Bowling Association intends to send representatives to the Games.- A Selection Committee met in late November to choose the members of the team.

Mrs. M. H. Jewell, of Lolorua Rubber Plantation, Kanosia, Papua, returned to the Territory by air in mid-December after a visit to Sydney.

South African Yacht On

World Cruise

From a Special Correspondent VILA, Nov. 1.

ON . the morning of October 15, a strange vessel was seen lying in Vila Harbour. We tried to read her flag.

Some averred she was Dutch; others said Belgian.

But it was the South African flag, and the vessel was the yacht Cariad I. She is 140 ft. long, and graceful and shapely as an albatross. Below her flush deck, the saloon, lounge and sleeping accommodation are spacious, and even luxurious, so that her personnel of eight travel in real comfort.

Mr. A. Flitton, of Capetown, is the owner and the captain is Mr. T.

Orzechowski, of Poland, an efficient and likeable young navigator, who speaks English with fluency and an engaging accent. The chief of the galley is Joe, a glistening, smiling, S. African negro, who holds down his important position to everyone’s satisfaction. There are two young Englishmen, recently from England; and the other three are South African-born Britishers.

The Cariad I is on a leisurely world cruise, and already has visited the Galapagos, Tahiti. Samoa. Tonga, and Fiji. Soon she will be leaving the New Hebrides for Lord Howe island, and then Sydney, where she will remain until after the hurricane season.

Cuthbert’s Misima Goldmine, Eastern Papua, reports: The clean-up figures for period ended October 23 (delayed until November owing to late arrival of sulphuric acid) are—Ore crushed. 283 tons, producing 409 oz. of bullion, with gold contents of 51 oz. and silver content of 41 oz. 34 DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

The Pacific Islands Society

(Founded 1937) Visitors from the Pacific Islands to Sydney, nr persons interested in Islands affairs, are invited to communicate with the Honorary Secretary of the above Society which was formed to constitute a social centre for those interested in the Pacific Islands.

Regular meetings and social gatherings, with lectures, are held at History House, 8 Young Street, Sydney, on the fourth Wednesday of each month, at 8 p.m.

Address for correspondence:—

The Pacific Islands Society

Box 2434, G.P.0., Sydney.

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Dutch Leaving

INDONESIA 40,000 For Western New Guinea AVERY interesting migration of Dutch people from Java, has commenced, since the formation of “the Republic of the United States of Indonesia” was announced.

The Dutchmen —most desirable settlers —are seeking a new home; and it looks as if New Zealand will benefit. The Dutch might have been expected to move next door, into Australia: but they have not forgotten how Australia, guided and directed by its wharf labourers assisted the Indonesians against the Dutch, in 1946-49.

Further to AAP- Reuter reports from Batavia, advising the departure of two Skymasters, carrying Dutch ex-Servicemen migrating to New Zealand, it can be stated that another group of 100 Dutch migrants will probably be following in December or January.

The impression the first group of new settlers made, on arrival in Auckland, was so good that the New Zealand authorities immediately made application for a further batch of ex-soldiers.

Many thousands of Dutch soldiers in Indonesia will be demobilised within the coming six months, and a great number who realise the difficulties of making an existence in their already over-populated homeland are anxious to migrate to the South Pacific.

Some months ago, the Australian Press publicised plans then in preparation for the migration of a great number of Dutch ex-Servicemen to Australia, but nothing more has been heard of it. Probably the wharf labourers did not approve.

Move Into New Guinea

THE first plane carrying migrants from Indonesia to Dutch New Guinea was to leave Java about the middle of December, It is expected that before the end of 1949, 8,000 new settlers will arrive in Dutch New Guinea. Many others will follow during the first half of 1950, and present estimates are that a total number of 40,000 will then be reached.

The first arrivals will commence building houses and camps. They will settle in Sorrong, Manokwari and Hollandia, close to the border of Australian New Guinea.

IT was announced on November 29 that the Australian Waterside Workers’

Federation had graciously consented to discuss with other waterside unions a proposal that, as the Indonesians now have gained their independence, the ban upon working Dutch shipping in Australian ports should be lifted.

On December 3, a conference of 17 Australian Unions decided to lift the Ban, at the request of the Waterside Workers’

Federation.

Meanwhile, Australia’s Dr. Evatt, nominally in charge of Australia’s foreign policy—and who. by permitting the waterside ban on Dutch ships, has clearly accepted his instructions from the Communist-led waterside union—was fighting hard to retain his own seat of Barton in Sydney suburbs. The “wharfies’ ban” was being used against him; but, up to date, he had not been induced to say one word in defence of Australia’s attitude on the Dutch-Indonesian problem.

The waterside workers imposed the ban in September, 1945. Originally it applied to the export of war weapons to Indonesia.

In July, 1947, it was extended to all cargoes. It is estimated that it has cost Australia £6O million worth of trade.

Pay Rise For Fiji Civil

Servants Mooted

From Our Own Correspondent SUVA, Nov. 25. 11HE Governor of Fiji (Sir Brian Freeston) at the opening of the present session of the Legislative Council emphasised the grave difficulty with which the Fiji Government is faced in maintaining and replenishing its professional services—a difficulty due largely to the meagre level of remuneration which prevails in Fiji compared with other parts of the Colonial Empire.

He said that a Salaries Commissioner was being sent to the Colony by the Secretary of State for the Colonies and would arrive about March to investigate the position.

It was likely that Fiji thereafter would have to find more money for at least some categories of its civil servants. 35 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

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Kangaroo Brand

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Telegrams: Amplion, Sydney Telephone: LA2828 (6 lines)

Maclaren-King Ii

Mrs. F. S. Stewart, proprietress of the Cecil Hotel, Lae, New Guinea, was in Sydney in November. She reports that, after years of delay, the construction of her new hotel at Lae is at last under way.

She came to Sydney to meet her sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Humbert, who had just arrived. They left New Guinea over ten years ago, to visit Europe, and got caught up in the war in Germany, where they were obliged to remain for some years. Mrs. Humbert was formerly Mrs. Baldie, and she had charge of the Lae Hotel when Mrs. Stewart ran her original hotel at Wau. Flying-Officer Gofton (a son of Mrs. Stewart by her former marriage) and Squadron-Leader Baldie (Mrs. Baldie’s only son) were both in the Royal Air Force when World War II came, and both lost their lives.

This motor vessel was built by Norman R. Wright, of Brisbane, in 1948, under the direction of Canon M. A. Warren, Secretary of the Australian Board of Missions for the New Guinea Anglican Mission. Length, 68 ft. 3 in.; beam, 16 ft. 10 in.; and it has a 114 h.p. Gardner diesel engine. Speed on trials was 9.67 knots. Maclaren-King ll—replacing the first Maclaren-King which was taken over by the Army and lost during the war—is based on Samarai, and serves all the Anglican Mission stations on the north-east coast of Papua and New Guinea. by courtesy A.B.M. 37 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER. 1949

N. F. Maloney & Co.

Phone 268, PORT MORESBY phone 268 - Cables, Radios, etc., “Malco,” Port Moresby.

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J. C.’Merrillees Pty. Ltd., Sydney No more Australian citrus fruit is to be allowed into Fiji this season because of the discovery in a small consignment of oranges recently of larvae of the Queensland fruit fly. An announcement issued in Suva by the Department of Agriculture stated that the larvae were found during an inspection of fruit which arrived on the steamer Rona. The Queensland fruit fly, the scientific name for which, is dacus tryoni, is one of the most undesirable of all pruit pests, and so far has evaded the large-scale and expensive attempts of the Australian fruit authorities to eradicate it. It will attack almost any kind of fruit.

Death Of Captain W. H. Luff

From Our Own Correspondent DARU, Papua. Nov. 13.

NEWS reached Mr. L. Luff, of Daru, this week, of the death at Madang of his father, Captain W. H. Luff.

Captain Luff arrived in this Division in 1900 and left in 1916. During this period he operated pearling fleets and was engaged in trading. He then saw service in Northern Territory and returned to New Guinea in 1922.

In the late 90’s Captain Luff was manager of Nolans, in Geraldton, Qld. (now known as Innisfail). He was bom in Salisbury, England, in 1870. Many friends will learn with sorrow of his passing—again, New Guinea is the poorer through the death of another pioneer.

Morris Hedstrom Scholarship

AWARD FOR 1950 Prom Our Own Correspondent SUVA, Nov. 21.

THE Morris Hedstrom University Scholarship for 1950 has been awarded to Peniame Davule Naqasima, of the Treasury Department, Suva.

Peniame was bom at Nabalili, Rewa, in 1928 and was educated at the Levuka Convent School, Lodoni Provincial School and Queen Victoria School. He proposes to study for a Bachelor of Arts degree at Auckland University College.

A grass widow is the wife of a dead vegetarian. 38 DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

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Tahiti Wants Tourist

TRAFFIC Travellers Are Eager But There Is No Transport From Our Own Correspondent PAPEETE, Nov. 20.

THE highest officials of this Administration are taking a keen interest in the possibility of establishing a new and profitable tourist traffic between French Oceania and other countries. The fame of Tahiti’s beauty and charm is world-wide, and the eagerness of worldtravellers to visit us is well known. Unhappily, we are at the mercy of international transport organisations.

Before World War 11, there were many ships available; but, to-day, the only regular shipping line between Tahiti and the outside world is Messageries Maritimes, running between Marseilles and Sydney, via various French colonial ports and the Panama Canal. Union SS Co. freighters, carrying a few passengers, call irregularly, as do various casual freighters. And that is all.

We had high hopes that we might be included in one of the new Trans-Pacific Airways; but Tahiti is too far off the direct route between North America and Australia, and we have nothing, as yet, except the monthly air service run by TRAPAS between New Caledonia and Tahiti.

Some day, if there is a regular air service between South America and Australia we may be better served: but there is no sign yet of anything of the kind.

Our new Governor, M. Anziani, is eager to develop a profitable tourist traffic: and we were all happy to hear a recent report that one of tne Matson liners might resume a regular run in the Pacific, with a frequent call at Tahiti—but there has been nothing further about it.

A ship like the Monterey and Mariposa —both so well known on the Sydney- ’Frisco run before the war—could easily be filled to capacity several times a year, for a luxury cruise from San Francisco to Hawaii, French Oceania and, perhaps, Samoa and/or Fiji. It would be a wonderful thing for these Territories; and it ought to be very profitable for the Matson Line, One wonders why nothing of the kind is done. It is almost incredible that these fine ships are laid up indefinitely in North America.

Mr. C. R. Turbet. Senior Veterinary Officer, Fiji Department of Agriculture, is to leave shortly for Nyasaland where he has been appointed Senior Animal Husbandry Officer. He returned to Fiji last year after a period of secondment to the Department of Agriculture in Ceylon. Mr. Turbet will be succeeded in Fiji as Senior Veterinary Officer by Mr. A. F. S. Oilmen, of the Queensland Department of Agriculture, SDA Takes Natives to Youth Congress in Australia NATIVES from several islands of the Western Pacific are in Sydney this month, as delegates from Seventh Day Adventist Missions in the South Seas to an SDA Youth Congress, that is being held near Newcastle, NSW.

Three men from the Solomon Islands— Thugea, Nathaniel and Elisha —arrived in Sydney on November 28 by the Muliarna, and 10 or 12 others were expected from Manus, Nassau, Bougainville and Rabaul, in New Guinea.

The good old days—Matson ships Mariposa and Monterery in Papeete Harbour in 1940. 39 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

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Tongan Traditions Observed Important Nukualofa Wedding AS befitting in Tonga, the Pacific’s only independent Kingdom, native customs have not been permitted to be eclipsed by purely European importations.

This is particularly so of the marriage ceremony. Although the Tongans are all practising Christians, it is usual, especially with the chiefly families, to have both the Christian form of ceremony in Church, and the Tongan form.

These photos show (left) the bridal party leaving the church in Nukualofa on October 15 when Fatafehi Lapaha married Siosiua Laufulitonga Tuita; and (Continued Next Page) 41 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

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BUCHANS’ ENGLISH READY- [ED PAINTS. m m s 11 (right) the young couple at the Tongan marriage ceremonial a few days later.

Fatafehi Lapaha is daughter of Queen Salote’s ADC, Vilai Tupou and his wife; her brother is the present holder of the Vaea title. Siosiua Laufulitonga Tuita is second cousin of Queen Salote and the eldest son of Tuita, a noble of high rank.

The wedding took place at the Royal Chapel, Nukualofa, and was attended by Queen Salote, Crown Price Tungi, Princess Mata’aho, HBM’s Agent and Consul and Mrs. Windrum, Tongan nobles and almost all the European community. The Rev. McKay of the Free Methodist Church performed the ceremony. Afterwards 500 guests were entertained in tne Government College Hall where huge tables were laden with wine and Hght refreshments of all kinds, including a five-tiered wedding cake specially imported from Auckland.

A ball followed in the evening which was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.

The ceremonies in the Tongan fashion, including feasting and dancing, took place a couole of days afterwards and were attended by both Europeans and Tongans, including the Royal family. Guests came also from neighbouring islands.

Newsletter from the N.G. Highl'ds From a Special Correspondent NOVEMBER 14.

RECENT arrivals in the Central Highlands of New Guinea, are old-time missionaries (Lutheran M ssion) Mr. and Mrs. Hannerman. They have been in America for some months where Mrs.

Hannerman underwent a serious operation. They are now at their previous station—Kerowagi. They are accompanied by their daughter, Caroline. * Departed during the month for Wewak, Dr. J. Akerman, previously District Medical Officer for the Central Highlands District who has left to relieve Dr. Mac- Inerney. Gorokaites will miss the “Doc.” as will all European residents of the Highlands District, where during his stay, he proved himself to be a popular and efficient Medical Officer. The well-known hospitality of the doctor and his wife will also be missed. * Medical Assistant Keyes, late of Manus is now in charge of the Native Hospital at Kundiawa (Chimbu Sub-District). He is accompanied by his wife. * Kerowagi (also in the Chimbu Sub- District) is to get a new native hospital.

The hospital buildings are well under way, and the establishment should be completed early in the new year. This will fill a great need as the population warrants a hospital. Natives in the area are looking forward to having it there. Previously patients from this area had to be carried to Kup, a distance of 10 miles, for treatment or hospitalisation. * Mr. M. C. W. Rich, the new Director of District Services, of Port Moresby, accompanied by the District Officer of the Central Highlands, Mr. George Greathead, visited most stations in the Highlands recently.

Mr E. J. Hallstrom, accompanied by a party which included the Administrator (Col. J. K. Murray) visited Nondugl during the month. Owing to landing restrictions, the chartered DCS could not land on the Nondugl strip, so the party was landed at Kerowagi and ferried from there by Dragon Rapides. A member of the party was overheard to say that Nondugl was the “Wahgi Wonderland.” We agree with him. Our last visit there showed improvements carried out on all sides. This is due in no small measure to the capable management of Mr. N. B.

Blood The development of this Experimental Station is well worth watching. * Natives of the Banz area weie staggered a while back by the large numbers of aircraft and masters that visited their airstrip in the Hagen sub-District. Some of them wanted to know if there was another war on. Maybe so —but happily, not the type of war they thought. It was only a large party looking for a suitable spot to construct an airfield, and if that does not constitute the commencement of a paper-war between departments and Canberra. I don’t know what does.

Mrs. Gordon Harris, who arriyed in Australia several ago to inquire concerning her interests in Djaul Island, New Gufnea (where, before the war her husband operated a plantation) has gone to Port Moresby, as a member of the temporary staff of the Production Control Board. 42 DECEMBER, 1949-PACIFIO ISLANDS MONTHLY

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Western Papua Notes

From Our Own Correspondent DARU, Nov. 13.

MR. H. P. BEACH departed earlier this month for Brisbane, where he will in future reside. He was manager at Daru for the BNG Trading Co., Ltd., until a short time before his departure, having taken charge in 1946.

Mr. Beach first came to this Division in 1899, and had lived here since 1900 with the exception of the war period (1942- 46). Although in his sixties, he looks remarkably well and fit —his habit of early rising and an active life has certainly not been detrimental to his health. He has been engaged in various pursuits— chiefly trading and h. V. Beach. recruiting, and agency work. He has a great knowledge of this Division, and he speaks several of the local dialects. He told me only recently, that of all the natives he knew when he first came to the Division, only two are still alive.

We farewell a real “old-timer.” but hope he will return for a visit, one day. * * * With blue skies above, and a gentle breeze from the south-east, HMAS Koala sailed into the harbour here today. It is understood the main object of the visit is to lay down mooring buoys.

Local natives turned out in hundreds to welcome the ship, which is one of the largest seen here for some time.

We nearly saw the Administrator the other day; but, as the Catalina on which he was travelling had a schedule to keep, he was not able to come ashore. * ♦ * Mrs. J. W. Stocks, accompanied by her daughter, Leone, departeds on the last plane, on a visit South. Her husband has an interest in Mibu Plantation.

Mr. R. L. Barnfather is to leave Fiji shortly to take up the post of Government Pharmacist, British Solomon Islands Protectorate. Mr. Barnfather has been for many years in charge of Morris Hedstrom Ltd’s. Pharmacy Department. He has been secretary of the European Electors’ Association since its inception.

The Australian Board of Missions has decided to appoint an assistant to Bishop P. N. W. Strong, of New Guinea. The Assistant Bishop-elect is the Rev. Geoffrey David Hand, MA, who has been with the Anglican Mission in Papua for the past two years. He was born in Queensland but was educated in England. 43 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY— DECEMBER, 1949

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PTY. LTD. 3 Hunter Street, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia No. 5 in SHELL’S " Australian Artists ” Series i as m W; S' fa 1 iU « 1 Xisr THE REFINING OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS: CLYDE, N.S.W. with a scene intepreted by Eric Thake.

The maze of pipes, columns, boilers and tubes that makes up a modern oil refinery gave fine scope to Eric Thake, well-known ex R.A.A.F. artist whose work is always notable for intense interest in abstract form. His painting of the Shell Company’s oil refinery at Clyde, N.S.W., the largest operating in Australia, dramatically portrays one of the phases of oil refining.

Shell’s Clyde Refinery has been operating since 1928 and has produced more than five hundred million gallons of motor spirit, power kerosine, diesel and fuel oils, solvents and bitumen.

Extensions to Clyde will produce over two and a half million gallons of lubricating oils per annum. This, plus the proposed new refinery at Geelong, Victoria, will ensure for Australia a continuous flow of locally refined petroleum products of the highest possible standard.

Eric Thake's dramatic rendition of the above scene in full colour will be published by Shell.

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Public Works At Samarai

What W and H Team Has Done Letter to the Editor IN defence of the activities of the Works and Housing team of Samarai, about whom an article appeared in the September issue of PIM, I would like to point out that the following work has been carried out in that area:— • Three “R” type houses under construction, two of which are almost completed. • Steel framework erected for the new Government Stores. • Steel framework erected for the W. & H. joinery shop. • Power-house building and machinery dismantled at Ladava (Milne Bay) and building re-erected at Samarai. • Power plants overhauled, some of which are awaiting spare parts. • Two machines installed to maintain an 18-hour daily electricity service, and another machine is in the process of installation. (Blackouts in this area are extremely rare.) • Administration Mess and Bachelors’ quarters erected. • Customs Officers’ residence erected. • Erection of Administration transit quarters. Although of a temporary nature (and locally known as “House Pig”) it has proved helpful to many Administration personnel who have been stranded in Samarai, as the island has no boarding-house or hotel. • New electric light poles, overhead wires and street lighting installation have been completed. • All Government buildings, except those to be removed, have been re-wired and brought to a safe condition. • Government launches and trawlers, trucks and jeeps serviced. • Lighting plants installed at the Native Labour Compound, Ebuma, and at Government out-stations at Misima and Esa’Ala. • Repair work and painting carried out on District Officer’s, Doctor’s and EMA’s residences. • Repair work and painting carried out on European and native hospitals, which were in a shocking condition. • Repairs carried out on the wharf, pending the closing of tenders for the rebuilding of same. • Native hospital and doctor’s residence at Mapamoiwa (Fergusson Is.) are in course of erection.

Much more work has been carried out by this team, including the erection of their own quarters, equipment store and the fitting-up of a lathe and shaping machine in their workshop; and I think this will prove that their time in this area has not been wasted.

Evidently the gentleman who wrote that “no evidence of the building of European houses in Samarai was found” must have viewed the island from a porthole of the* MV Bulolo, which anchors out and stays approximately 30 minutes to discharge passengers and mail—or from the boat deck of the MV Malaita.

I am, etc., W and H EX-SAMARAI.

The Fiji Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Ordinance of 1948 will come into force on April 1, 1950. Thenceforth it will be compulsory for motor vehicle owners to take out third party car insurance. Insurance companies operating in the Colony are now working out premium rates which, contrary to overseas practice, have not been fixed by law.

London Linguist Visits

BSI Prom Our Own Correspondent HONIARA, BSI, November 1.

MR. GEORGE MILNER, of the School of African and Oriental languages, London University, arrived in the Protectorate on October 19 to spend about six months studying the languages of the Solomon Islands. He has soundrecording equipment to record the speech of various districts.

Mr. Milner has begun his operations in the Western Solomons, where his methods and equipment are rousing great interest among natives. In Gizo he recorded two speeches of introduction, one in pidgin English made by the District Commissioner of the Western distridt (Mr. R.

Davies) and the other, in Rovlana language by a Government clerk. Both explain the purposes of Mr. Milner’s Western tour. 45 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

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Devaluation Means Dear Flour for Fiji And Dearer Petroleum Products ONE of the results of the devaluation of sterling and the Australian £ against the dollar, is the sudden increase in the price of Australian export wheat and flour. (Under the terms of the International Wheat Agreement, to which Australia is a party, prices for wheat are expressed in terms of Canadian dollars.) Howls of protest have come from the UK and India and some indication of the extent of this rise can be seen in the fact that the Fiji Government has re-introduced a subsidy on flour to ease the burden on the Colony’s residents. With the subsidy, the new price of flour in Fiji will be sd. per lb.

Before devaluation of sterling, the Australian f.o.b. price of flour was £27/5/per ton. The immediate effect of the change in the pound-dollar exchange rate was to increase the Australian f.o.b. price to £39/7/6 per ton. Stocks bought at this price are now awaiting sale in Fiji, and further shipments, bought at a higher price, are expected shortly.

In addition to its effect upon the prime cost of flour and sharps, currency devaluation has also caused an increase in ocean freight rates. Until November 1, 1947, the special freight rate for flour and sharps was 47/3 per ton (Australian currency). This later became 70/- and has now been increased to 80/- per ton.

The rise in the dollar exchange rate has increased the cost of all petroleum products, and the first price increase m Fiji due to the recent adiustment took place at the beginning of November when oil companies were permitted to raise their selling price of automotive diesel oil by fourpence per gallon. The maximum retail selling price of automotive engine lubricating oils has increased by 1/6 a gallon to 10/9J a gallon, and the maximum selling price of mobilite and shellite lighting and heating fluid by 6d. per gallon to 4/6 a gallon. .

Following price rises for petrol in Australia (now 3/- per gallon) it is certain that the pnce of petrol in the Colony will rise also.

Last Americans Leaving Guadalcanal Seven Years After Marines First Landed From Our Own Correspondent November 5, 1949.

AMERICAN forces in the Solomons left , Guadalcanal for Oahu, Hawaii, by various ships during this week. With the exception of one officer and 15 men who remain at Camp Guadal in guardianship of surplus US Army property until it is disposed of to outside buyers, this is the end of US “occupation’ in BSI Officers of the departing forces were formally farewelled by the Resident Commissioner (Mr. J. D. A. Germond), on October 3. The last vessel to depart this week was a tug towing two 210-ft. harges loaded with equipment and fuel—the second barge nearly a mile behind the oyer seven ye^ rg s ince American Marines made their initial landing on Jap-occupied Guadalcanal.

Thev landed about two miles east of the Lunga River, on August 7, 1942, and after six historic months, Gaudalcanal was declared “no longer a combat zone on February 21, 1943.

December, 19 4 9 -Pacific Islands Monthly

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SUVA FIJI Are Pacific Candlenuts Unsaleable?

OUR correspondent in Mangaia, Cook Islands, states that, for reasons not yet made clear, the once eagerlysought local candlenut, a rich source of valuable oil for paint-mixing, varnish manufacture, etc., is to-day a drug on the market.

Large quantities of the nuts were exported after purchase by Mr. D. C.

Brown, of the Cook Islands, and other buyers who were quick to seize the opportunity to develop this market, about 18 months ago. Since then, the demand has ceased entirely, and traders make no further call for this Cl product.

The Mangaia Island Council, which runs a store, had apparently amassed a very large stockpile of the nuts, still in shell, in expectation of a further call.

When this did not eventuate, the nuts were finally piled in a yard, and set on fire. The bonfire burned for two days.

Mangaians are disappointed at the sudden collapse of what promised to be a new enterprise.

Plant for the extraction of oil from the exceedingly hard candlenut was set up in Fiji at the end of 1945 at a time when drying oils for paint were in short supply. The enterprise later became a Fiji “protected industry.”

It was felt at the time of its establishment that the supply of local candlenuts might be inadequate to keep the oil factory functioning. It may be that this was not the case; and this, coupled with the fact that linseed oil is now more readily available, could expain why there is now no demand for Mangaia candenuts.

Radio-Telephone Between

Noumea-Vila

ON October 13, two South Pacific capitals, Noumea in New Caledonia, and Port Vila, in the New Hebrides, were linked by public radiotelephone. Calls are limited to two half-hour periods between 9 and 9.30 a.m. and 2 and 2.30 p.m. on all weekdays except Saturday afternoon when Noumea and Vila post offices are closed. Users are asked to notify the offices concerned on the day before the call is to be made. The charge for a three minutes call is 196.8 francs with a further 65.6 francs for each additional minute.

Mr. J. w. Sykes, who has been District Officer, Ba, Fiji, has been appointed to act as District Commissioner Western to relieve Mr. C. R. H. Nott, who will shortly go to New Zealand on leave. 47 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

*o<,* *** ... •*».„^*%hA o .AW n X (*► I a *3 Wof /£ ft & £ *** * *r /*m m 9* A 7#' * > w v' fb* n / •ws M» A *S ■nr pfOL* /> 23 the services s SOUTH iNJLt PACIFIC New Zealand is a whole world of travel . . . but it’s a small world when you fly on the N.Z. National Airways Corporation air network that brings New Zealand’s playgrounds and wonderlands invitingly close.

NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL AIRWAYS CORPORATION.

New Zealand National Airways Corporation provides a network of air services throughout the Dominion and the South-West Pacific. General Agents in the Dominion for British Commonwealth Pacific Airlines ami Trans-Australian Airlines. Booking Agents for Tasman Empire Airways, Qantas Empire Airways, me .u. . and other overseas airlines.

Offices and Agents throughout New Zealand and the South-West Pacific. 48 DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

Magazine Section

Territories ' Talk-Talk By "Tolala"

AMISSIONARY and a retired Papuan Public Servant had a short argument in the Sydney Press recently over “Homes for Papuans.” Quoth the Missionary: “The Papuan is perfectly happy* in his house of bamboo floor, coconut or sago walls and thatched roof ...” The retired public servant retorted with, “This is equivalent to saying that neolithic man was perfectly happy in his cave and the Australian aboriginal in his bark lean-to . . . The native house is verminous, unhygienic and totally lacking in the rudiments of comfort . . .”

Where the Missionary made an error was in saying that: “The Papuan is happy.” He was happy. And you can’t tell me that an iron roof and walls tend for greater comfort in the tropics, nor are they necessarily less verminous. It’s pride of ownership that appeals to the native mind —having something which the white man has: Like boots and a pair of trousers, although they are not at all comfortable, they appeal to primitive vanity.

I have known many native chiefs who have prided themselves on their iron houses and European furniture; but they didn’t live in them. They preferred a well-built native house, which was cool and comfortable. I have experienced far more comfort in grass houses than I have in some of the small European edifices erected in various parts of the islands.

An iron roof may give you social status; it will, also, give you a lot of sleepless, sweaty nights. I have yet to be convinced that our much-lauded civilisation is the answer to man’s “Happiness”— particularly in the tropics. * * * IT is good to hear that copra inspections are to be resumed in the Territory. Inspection lifts the local produce above the common-or-garden “South Seas” grade, much of which is of low quality. “Rabaul Hot Air” had a good reputation in European markets, and it is to be hoped that that standard will be reached again. The Ordinance will, of course, apply equally to native-produced copra, and inspectors will have to be on the alert for anything in the bags from sand to chunks of anchor chain, mixed with the copra, a little trick adopted by the more sophisticated sellers. And they are past-masters at top-dressing, as I know from many years of trading. Copra inspection will be an innovation for the Papuan portion of the Territory. ♦ * « THE “ambitious project” concerning hydro-electric power (PIM, Nov., p 7) is not, by any means, a new suggestion. Back in 1920-21 Evan R. Stanley put forward a comprehensive scheme and bewailed the enormous amount of waterpower being wasted. Stanley, who was Papua’s geologist in those days, was a member of the Wattle scientific expedition which did some fine exploratory work throughout TNG in 1920-21. His report, which was included in the Territory’s first official Report to the League of Nation’s Permanent (sic) Mandate Commission, is full of good solid reading and information about the Territory’s resources. In those days, however, TNG had no millions to spend on development. Captain Jimmy Duncan was also a member of the expedition. Stanley has gone to his Long Rest many years.

DEVELOPING the Territory’s resources reminds me of the latest turn of the wheel in the NG Timber business: The government plan to form a joint enterprise with BGD to work the Bulolo timber stands, with government holding a majority of shares of the £750,000 capital. I seem to recollect an official statement, during the not-so-long-ago inquiry, to the effect that all timber leases in New Guinea would be disposed of only after public tenders had been called for the areas available. Or am I wrong? * * ♦ Managing-director of Placer Development, C. A. Banks, told the annual meeting in Vancouver last month that the devaluation of the Australian £ was of considerable benefit to BGD. He also mentioned that the yardage handled for the year was about 30 per cent, less than that estimated. One dredge had been abandoned, two would close down during the next three years, and another three in six years, leaving two with an estimated life of 13 years.

Which reminds me of the prognostications in the middle thirties that the life of the Morobe field would not be more than 15 years—at the most. ♦ ♦ ♦ WAR amongst the ants (PIM, Nov., p 74) recalls to mind the benefits which have long been derived by NG planters from the old kurakum ant— Oecaphylla Smaragdina virescens, to give him his full name. It was especially useful when palms had been infected with Promocotheca antiqua. The method was used by the Germans and, to assist Mr.

Kurakum in his duties of patrolling the fronds, palms were linked together by long strands of bush rope, with sometimes portions of fish attached to attract the ants. It’s a most economical method of controlling pests, for Mr. Ant doesn’t worry about the 40-hour week or rates of pay. Incidentally, Entomologist O’Connor was an old Territory identity before going over to Fiji. ♦ ♦ ♦ ONE cannot allow the sad death of the “Little Major’’ to pass without mention being made of his untiring work, both in Rabaul and Wau, in connection with the dramatic societies he so keenly fostered, and of the many plays he so successfully produced, often under great difficulties. Both towns owed a debt of gratitude to Major Ayris for many a pleasant evening’s entertainment.

It’s safe to say that a dramatic society would have been flourishing by now in Kokopo had things turned out otherwise. Vale the Little Major! ♦ ♦ * THE colour question is becoming acute in South Africa, especially since Missionary Scott has taken up the cudgels on behalf of some of the SA natives, whom the Union wishes to ab- Still on Deck After 176 Years!

This ancient tortoise is Tonga’s oldest inhabitant. The story is that it was presented to a Tongan chief by Captain Cook, who called at Tongatabu in 1773. No one knows how old the tortoise was then—but it makes him (her or it) going on 200, now. However, there is no reason to doubt that the creature is the original tortoise presented by Cook to a Tongan noble, now long dead.

The tortoise is treated with great respect by the Tongans; Queen Salote took it into her care some years ago and it lives in the Palace grounds. Apparently the tortoise has found some difficulty adjusting itself to the motor age after a youth spent in Captain Cook’s sailing ship. The dent in the body-work was caused by a collision with a car some years ago. History does not relate what happened to the car. 49 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

feorb and thus terminate the mandate trusteeship system. People are apt. to foirget the peculiar racial position of South Africa when criticising the whites’ determined pronouncements on the colour question. With the general trend towards universal race equality the SA whites recognise the danger of being a minority section in a country where there are four natives to every European, but are intent on maintaining their sovereignty, which has been theirs for the past three hunderd years, and maintained purely as a result of racial dominance. When a white minority in a black country loses that dominance the only thing to do is to pull up stakes and get out, as Britain did in India, as Netherlanders have done in NEI, and as the Australians will have to do in New Guinea when the Trusteeship target has been reached. The colour ratio in NG is about one white to every two hundred natives. The South African situation has much of interest to NG folk; to the older settlers, anyway, who know some of the difficulties attached to the task of a minority maintaining its sovereignty against big odds. * ♦ * BITS AND PIECES; The modest peanut can be an expensive crop to grow under government supervision.

It recently cost Britain’s Overseas Food Corporation £23 million to produce some 2,000 tons of groundnuts . . . The jurisdiction of the UN Trusteeship Council has been extended to cover “dependent areas not expressly placed under trusteeship.’’ Such as Papua, for instance . . .

Declarations of contents must be attached to all goods sent either by letter or parcel post and addressed to the Gilbert and Ellice Islands . . . Brazil coffee crops this year are down 10 million bags.

Coffee prices in Australia are tipped to be shortly about 10 - a lb. Any coffee plantations going begging? . . . Miss Bonny Nash, formerly of Inverell, NSW, was married to Mr. Frederick Mason at Wesley Chapel, Sydney, on November 29.

They will live in Moresby . . . Old Rabaul Club members are being asked to submit their claims to J. I. Cromie, at PM, before March 31, 1950 . . . E. C.

Vider, a well-known islands skipper, has gone to his Long Rest. He died at a private hospital at Randwick, on November 22.

Mrs. G. Hofman, wife of a Lutheran missionary in the Madang Area, NG, and her children, recently received a scare while Mr. Hofman was away from his station, when two Japanese came to the door and inquired if the war were really over, and whether Japan had actually been defeated. Within the next three days eight more Japs were taken in to the Patrol Officer of that area. For the last few years they had lived about two days’ walk from the Mission Station unnoticed.

Skyway to the Highlands (See Photos Opposite) THESE photographs were taken by Mr.

Leo White when he visited the New Guinea Central Highlands last year.

Disregarding for a moment the lasses in the bottom photograph, the other photos are an excellent illustration of the hazards of normal flying in this area. The aerodromes are, at times, narrow ribbons of flat land in between towering mountains, Some of them are at between 5.000 and 6,000 feet above sea level. Yet air services are the life-line of this magnificent high country. In the top photo, the neat Government station can be seen, and, winding over the mountain, a thread of native road.

Highland Skyways and Highland Lassies NG Central Highlands airstrip—from the air.

From the ground—Qantas DCS and local Natives.

Some of the local lassies who met the plane. 50 DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

Pago Pago Disillusioned These Hopeful Pilgrims Australian, who says that he has always taken it to heart when the USA criticised British Colonial policy, recently visited Pago Pago, American Samoa . with an American friend. The Aussie expected a streamlined, chromium-plated Colony; it is not clear what the Yankee expected, but both were disappointed. This is what they later wrote us: THIS has been written jointly by an American and an Australian. The criticisms about Pago are not meant as a crack at US Administration but as an indirect tribute to the often maligned British Colonial Policy.

In the course of a boat cruise recently we spent roughly four hours in Pago Pago and our impressions, therefore, are fleeting—possibly not indicative of the true state of affairs. If so, we apologise.

If not, we hope these lines will serve to remind would-be armchair critics that experience counts in all walks of life, even in Colonial Administration.

To casual visitors throughout the Pacific, the various ports of call, with their comparatively large towns behind them are the “show-windows” of each particular island group. These windows in Suva, Tonga, Vavau, Apia, Papeete (to retain the simile) are very “well dressed.” They are at least clean and neatly layed out.

Pago Pago on the other hand, is like a junk-shop window; at a distance its array of goods looks fascinating. On closer inspection there’s much soiled merchandise to be found amongst the new.

WE approach Tuituila in late afternoon and as our boat steams up the harbour at Pago, cannot help but be impressed with the magnificent hills towering on either side; or by the hundreds of orderly naval buildings and repair shops hugging the shore line. The particular wharf at which we berth is also impressive. Built of ferro-concrete its freshly painted sheds and clean approaches are, perhaps, the best in the South Pacific. Undoubtedly, the rate at which the efficient and highly mechanised naval ratings unload produce from the holds, is the fastest.

Picturesque, too, are the Naval Officers’ quarters left of the wharf which, from where we stand on the ship’s deck, appear to cover the old Pago golf course. Even ashore, inside the various trading stores we find shelves packed with every conceivable brand of American foodstuff and general merchandise-colourful pages of the Saturday Evening Post come to life!

And yet amongst all this material wealth there exists great squalor. Dirty shop fronts, garbage-littered “footpaths.”

An open drain bordering the main street is choked with paper, rotting food and old cans.

Native quarters comprise a flostam and jetsam of old navy huts squeezed between Samoan fales, the two types of building often only a few feet apart. A track, once a road, twists its way amongst these huts showering them with dust or mud from passing vehicles. This unhygienic area with its smattering of dirty drinking bars, where insolent young natives appear to imbibe freely (when were the strict liquor laws repealed?) makes interesting contrast with the living conditions of native Western Samoans, Fijians, etc, MANY traders have waxed rich in Pago during the war years yet little capital appears to have been reinvested in the place. It is rumoured that the wealth of most traders is inversely proportional to the amount of interest displayed in their country’s welfare. Civic pride apparently does not exist. Could this be the result of an administration intolerant of private enterprise? Others attribute conditions to the Americans’ typical “reluctance to interfere in the other chap’s business,” an attitude to be (Continued on page 65) Photos show (at top): Two street scenes —open drains and sundry rubbish; and the Navy—off duty. Down side: The Navy theatre which civilians may also attend: new LMS church, framed in base structure of Pago’s giant radio mast; one of the numerous bars in the native quarter. 51 ACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER. 1949

Come in to Kutubu With Captain Hugh M. Birch, DFC, of QEA.

JN the twenties and the thirties Karius, Hides, O'Malley, the Champion brothers and others pushed laboriously into unknown Papua by canoe or on foot. Their journeys took weeks; sometimes many months. Danger lurked around the twists and bends of the long rivers; in the plateaux and mountains of the interior. Illness, and sometimes death, were often the only reward.

But they put upon the map and into our minds such names as the Strickland River, the Purari, Kikori, the Fly, Lake Murray, Lake Kutubu and the rest.

To-day these incredible journeys that took them months may be accomplished, at ease, during the daylight hours of only one day. This is the story. rpHE Qantas Catalina service which i. crosses the Gulf of Papua departs from Port Moresby every alternate Monday. It is a fascinating run, so come with me on the westbound.

At 6.30 a.m. we leave the water, bound for Yule Island, a small Government Station and the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Mission, Papua, about 60 miles from Moresby. Our course takes us over Oroi, one of the drilling sites of the Australian Petroleum Co., oil derricks glistening in the early morning sun; and then, at 7 a.m., we land at Yule.

Canoes are alongside in no time, our passengers disembark and the cargo is unloaded. Within 15 minutes we are airborne again and winging our way to Kerema.

Our aircraft is a Catalina flying-boat named, appropriately, Island Chieftain. It was converted to a passenger-cumfreighter in the QEA workshops at Rose Bay, Sydney. Our cargo—just about as varied as one could imagine. We have 17 passengers, three fowls, 200 chickens, a dog, two cats and 850 lb. of frozen meat.

It is 8 a.m. and Kerema is below.

Kerema is a small Government Station Lake Kutubu.

Qantas officials brought aboard by dug-out canoe.

Kutubu Natives.

Refuelling Island Chieftain on Lake Kutubu. 52 DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

on Freshwater Bay; it is a centre for copra, cocoa and rubber plantations. Here we are met by the Assistant District Officer, in a whale boat. He signs for the mail, two more passengers disembark and again we are on our way.

Off to the north, towering peaks of the Owen Stanleys are still clear in the morning air. Later they will disappear, shrouded in the cumulus clouds so familiar to all New Guinea pilots.

We now near the top of the mighty Gulf and our course takes us over the winding rivers and flats of the Delta country. This, a crocodile infested swampy area, described on the map as “a tortuous maze of navigable rivers and streams,” is not much good for anything. Few live here except the hardy river natives whose sole means of transport is the dug-out canoe.

It is on one of the many Delta streams that we find our next port of call— Kikori on the Kikori River. It is about 20 miles upstream, and one of the wettest places in the world. It has an average rainfall of nearly 300 inches, most of it falling between April and September. Ten inches in one day is not an abnormal fall.

Through the misty rain we can see the river winding below—a swiftly flowing stream with many logs floating down stream. We circle the Station and come down on to the river. Kikori is the District Headquarters for the Delta Division of Papua and the natives of this area were well known, not so long ago, for their cannibalistic tendencies.

Those days have now passed and it would be difficult to find a more peaceful spot.

Here we take on 4,000 lb. of cargo for Lake Kutubu, 90 miles inland and to the north-west in the direction of the Central Highlands. We leave Kikori and commence the long climb over the ranges levelling out at 7,000 ft. On our left is the Great Papuan Plateau, a series of limestone ridges and valleys, varying in height from 2,000 to 4 000 feet. From this Plateau rises Mt. Bosari—a volcano, 9.500 ft. high, its peak wreathed in clouds.

Now below are Beaver’s Falls, a magnificent torrent falling vertically for over 300 feet. This is the Mubi River which has its source not far from our destination. Lake Kutubu, 2,600 ft. above sea level is of volcanic origin and very deep. It is nearly 11 miles long and varies in width from U to 2 miles.

Through a hole in the clouds we can see it ahead, deep blue and so calm that the clouds are reflected on its surface. We gradually descend onto its waters and are soon surrounded by the local tribesmen—fierce looking warriors each with a bone piercing his nose. This base was opened up by the Qantas Catalina onlv a few months ago. Our journey from Kikori by the Island Chieftain has taken 45 minutes—to walk it the record is 56 days.

In charge of the Government Post here are a young Assistant District Officer and a Patrol Officer whose duty it is to bring these native people under control, learn their customs and strange language the surrounding country.

Kutubu is a beautiful place surrounded by mountains covered with jungle right to the waters edge.

WE still have 460 miles to go before our night stop, so as soon as the cargo is unloaded we are off once more, our next call Lake Murray, in the great Fly River valley. We cross the nmestone plateau again, passing Mount Bosari and Lake Campbell, a small volcanic lake named after Group-Captain Stuart Campbell, a pioneer aviator in these parts and more recently leader of an Australian expedition to the Antarctic.

Then gradually the plateau drops away to flat and swampy river country. We cross the Strickland River and soon we see Lake Murray, which is a 7 most an inland sea, nearly 30 miles long. We are now only 12 miles from the Dutch New Guinea Border and one of the duties of the lonely Patrol Officer stationed here is to patrol that Border. His is a solitary life with no other white men for at least 100 miles. His pleasure at seeing us can be imagined. He has a yarn for half an hour, receives h’s mail and stores, and then we are gone. Without an air service to this Lake, the only link with civilisation is a boat trip of over 500 miles down the Lake and then into the Strickland River and thence down the Flv to Daru. About a month is the usual time for this voyage. We take U hours.

Daru is a flat, damn and rather depressing place with little to recommend it. Once it was a haven for pearling luggers from Thursday Island, but few come here now. We do not tarry long: it is the end of our Western run. but Kikori is where we usually spend the night, so off we go with half a dozen passengers to Kikori.

It is 5 p.m. when we touch down again on those muddv swirling waters after eight hundred miles of flying since 6.30 a.m. with seven stops. The Captain and his crew are glad to get ashore for the first time in nearly 11 hours. Night falls quickly on Kikori: dinner is waiting: we give bur hosts the latest news from Moresey—it is time for bed.

To-morrow we depart for Moresby via Wana, another oil drilling centre, Kerema and Yule Island. Our cargo— a parcel of mummified hands for a museum in Sydney, two stretcher cases, 500 live crabs and a dozen passengers.

Trapicalities (CALLING all Anthropologists: At a rej cent meeting of the Western Samoa Legislative Assembly it was decided that the 170 Chinese now remaining in the Territory should be permitted to remain as free citizens. It was recommended also, that the ban on marriage between these men and Samoan women be lifted. As a corollary to this last piece of belated generosity it was decided that offspring of de facto marriages between Chinese and Samoans (and there have been plenty) should not be regarded as illegitimate (illegitimacy was “something belong Mission,” anyhow); and that the said offspring should now have the option of declaring themselves of either Samoan status, or EUROPEAN status!

“Samoan status” and “European status” are accepted Samoan terminology but now that the Territory is so hell-bent for independence why don’t they go the whole hog and make it Samoan status or Foreign status—as that is obviously what they mean. Even if it is just for the record, it would be interesting to know by what processes of deduction it is concluded that a full blooded Chinese father and a 100 per cent. Samoan mother can produce a European chiId—ANTHROP. * * * SIDELIGHT on Suva’s climate: Early in October, after months of tropical downpours, the big 75th Cession Day parade planned at Suva was curtailed and a Sydney newsreel unit which wanted to film the occasion was warned to stay at home. Prom that day—almost from the hour —of this decision, the weather started to improve, and Suva celebrated Cession in a blaze of sunshine plus perfect, moonlit nights, before and after. What was more, the good weather lasted for most of October and for War Memorial Appeal and Remembrance Days on November 5 and 6. And then the Suva Cricket Association fixed November 12 for the opening of its season. And the cricket clubs announced their opening teams. And the cricket grounds were allotted. Then it rained five solid inches in a lump.—S. * ♦ ♦ IT is not easy, these days, to get to Pitcairn Island, but it is even harder to get away once vou are there.

Eighteen months ago when a schoolteacher was sent to Pitcairn from New Zealand, the WPHC sent along also, a pre-fabricated school, a dwelling and three Indian carpenters to erect them.

The carpenters finished the job about six months ago but no ship was available to take them off. Ships were radioed but all were too busy to call for the men until after five months of idleness and homesickness for Suva, the master of the new Burns Philp ship Braeside offered to assist. Braeside (5,600 tons) was on her maiden voyage from the UK to Australia via Panama. She reached Sydney THIS is a Bret* Hilder drawing of Mr.

George Purdy, who first went to the New Hebrides with his parents in 1907, and since has spent about half his life there, with the exception of the war years, which he spent very actively in the RAAF.

He and his wife have now given the Hebrides away and have plunged into mass cultivation of carnations at Mount Tambourine, near Brisbane, Qld. 53 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

in November and the three carpenters later went on to Fiji by air.

Braeside will go onto the Sydney- Singapore run. * * * A RECENT incident has recalled to my mind the par in PIM, during the war, about the maidens of the Society Is. who, not “having the English,” took tubes of American shaving-cream for tooth paste.

A Cook Island lad recently took a sudden fancy to own a toothbrush and related amenity although our folks do not, save in the case of such VIPs as teachers, etc., habitually use toothbrushes; they never did. As there are few luxuries at this end of Oceania, it is not strictly essential, anyway—people’s teeth seldom decay in any serious degree. The lad under consideration had a sudden rush of civilisation to the head, possibly caused by seeing someone do it in a movie, and he purchased a brush, plus a tube of something, the label of which he could not read, although it looked right enough.

Next morning the youth was back at the store, demanding a refund —where the tube was concerned, that is. The brush had worked quite well. He complained that the toothpaste had “tasted bad.” He suggested that there was a plot afoot to liquidate simple Islanders putting their faith in white men’s chemical factories.

The storekeeper thereupon suggested personal examination of the offendingitem. The boy went and got it. On viewing the allegedly-defective tube of “toothpaste,” the trader burst into hearty laughter.

The dental preservative, nicely put-up in a yellow tube, was rubber solution for bicycle tyres.—E.G. * * * WHEN this advertisement appeared in a London newspaper a few weeks ago, the sensational newspapers gave tongue wildly: “Permanent secretary-assistant required, any nationality, scientific and general filing, typing, isolated tropical island until 1953, languages and biological degree an advantage, personal distinction and charming personality essential. Write Box No. —”

“Secretary-assistant”—“tropical island” —“charming personality essential” . . . the imaginative fog-bound reporters never stopped, until they ran down the author of it. He was Dr. H. S. Evans, formerly Deouty Director of Health Services in Fiji, and now, being retired, a mild and elderly scholar, intensely interested in native languages and customs.

He was on a visit to London; and, having agreed to go temnorarilv as medical officer on Rotuma. he decided to applv himself there to the writing of certain books which he planned long ago, and to take a secretary with him.

When the reporters found him, he was immersed in applications from scores of ladies who apparently were attracted by the general idea of a life on isolated Rotuma. He tried to be very serious obout the proposed job; but that “charming personality” line had struck a note that he could not escape, and so the pressmen let themselves go. This, for example: “When Dr. Evans and his unnamed secretary are not working, they can stroll along palm-fringed beaches and watch the native girls dive off their boats to spear fish underwater.”

The newspapers said that the secretary has been chosen, but her name is being kept secret for the present. She and Dr. Evans were to sail from London for Fiji in October. * ♦ * AT the age of 17, Antony Hooper, of Suva, is 6 ft. 41 in. in height. His father, Superintendent B. F. Hooper, of the Fiji Police, tops him by 4 in., but the gap is believed to be narrowing.

Hooper pere, in 1917, became the first Fiji-born student at the New Plymouth Boys’ High School, one of New Zealand’s leading secondary schools, which has since had more boys from Fiji than any other school in the Dominion. This year son Antony is in his last year at New Plymouth. Next year he will go to Auckland University College with a remarkable school record behind him.

He is head of his House; head of all boarders (270 boys) and head of the school (700 boys). At the age of 15 he gained the School Leaving Certificate and at 16 passed the University Entrance. He is vice-captain of the Rugby First XV.

In 1947 he won the junior swimming championship and this year was second in the senior. As a member of the surf life-saving team he won a Surf Medallion.

In last year’s athletics he won the discus event with a record-breaking throw of 108 ft. 61 in. and this year broke his own record with what a New Plymouth newspaper called “a prodigious throw of 128 ft. 8 in.” This year he also established a putting-the-shot record with 43 ft.

He has been a senior NCO in the High School Cadet Battalion for two years and this year is leader of the school church choir. Last year, to round things off, he won the school senior reading prize.—S.

Let’S Go Explore New

HOLLAND By P. O'Rell A TIME comes for the more adventurous, when they leave the peace and security of established life in New Guinea and evince a desire to explore that Territory—originally, New Holland—which lies south of 10 deg.

Quiet, home-loving citizens from places like Gcilala, Telefomin or Wabag are suddenly smitten with the pioneer urge and, in spite of their initial experiences in the semi-controlled areas around Moresby or Rabaul, press on southward over the seas to face the unknown —some never to return, others to re-appear as greatly changed people.

The more daring have been known to defer their journey until after the Summer solstice, when the cold season has already set in and conditions are inclement. Brave men, indeed, these, who well know that fate is against them and that in the words of the old prophecy, “Many are called, but ‘A—tchoo’ are frozen.”

Most explorers, in addition to a fluency in Pidgin, Motu or Blanche Bay dialect, are also conversant with English, which is reputed to be the lingua franca of these Southern regions. However, this idea is erroneous, as the actual tongue spoken is, as it were, a distinct patois or cousingermain and in many cases, bears little resemblance to English. A practical instance is noted immediately on arrival with that simple word “customs.” The sense in which it is used by the indigenes is an extremely left-handed one and is apt, for the first few hours at least, to cause a certain amount of inconvenience.

However, after the visitor has got over the initial searching interest shown in him by the inhabitants, he has to settle down to a serious study of colloquialisms and phrases. Owing to the co-operation of the natives this is somewhat simplified and, if he makes contact with the right section of the community, such abstruse phrases as “on the black’’ and “key money” will assume a lucid and definite significance.

Owing to the nature of the climate the usual “sac-sac,” “pungal,” “kunai” and “sisalkraft” dwellings are absent, and are replaced by structures of stone, cement and brick. A close study of these buildings is rarely possible.

Travelle:s, on seeing the words “guest house,” are prone to the belief that these will provide that opportunity; but, once again, the sense attached to the phrase is a purely local one, and entry is qualified by stringent conditions.

It is hard to determine the exact nature of the structure owing to the jealous guard which is placed on them. In certain ways they resemble a “haus tambu.”

One wanderer, being of the opinion that a certain password was necessary, in response to “I have a flat to let.” replied, “I’ll buy the furniture” and was welcomed. Whilst he was apparently on the blink of success, he was further questioned and was informed that his reply, without further qualifications, meant nothing. It would appear that in addition to a certain ritual, the possession of a “bank account” —something strange to Islands dwellers —was necessary.

Native tobacco also appears to be tambu to strangers and, indeed, to the majority of groups in the native community. Observation shows that a furtive trade in the substance is carried on.

The product would appear to be regarded very highly. In the majority of cases, the recipient has first to undergo a ceremonial purification which involves the removal of portion of the hair from the head and face.

IN an endeavour to assess the relative occupations of the various indigenes, it is perturbing to find that they have little respect for the truth. On a poll of some five thousand units, in which the individual was asked who he worked for, the answer—in all but ten cases —was, “Working for Chif, mate.” The observers report that in over four thousand cases this answer was followed by a peculiar and rather ironic laugh.

The local equivalent of bearers and carriers are known as “takkisis.” Again, the normal order is reversed and. where it is our habit to move from point to point by the shortest track, it is inevitable that the visitor will notice these vehicles taking the longest possible route. “Takkisi” drivers are obviously men of standing in the community, for nothing is tambu to them and, if approached in the proper manner, they can be relied on to produce any item which is prohibited to the general populace. It is fair to point out, however, that such articles as salt and gold-lipped shell have no trade value.

“Luluais” and “Tul-tuls” do not appear to exist as such; but dignitaries known as “the books” or “the licensee” appear to be held in some regard, and are usually mentioned in a tone of veneration, especially in conjunction with such phrases as “two to one bar one” or “time, gentlemen, please.”

AS I type, a rather friendly looking indigene has just entered and uttered another of their cryptic sayings—“ Care for a grog, sport?”

Excuse me—l had better do some more research. 54 DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

Of Falling Leaves , Trees and Other Things

By Judy Tudor

RECENTLY, when visiting a friend in a farming district north of Sydney, we found him cutting a huge tree. Would I like to stay and see it fall?

No, I would not—falling trees being something that I could not abide. 1 removed myself about quarter of a mile away and contemplated nature while the deed was done. When at last it crashed to the ground, it was followed by the customary splitsecond of dead silence, and this, in turn, by screams and yells out of which I could distinguish only. “Come quickly—come quickly!” Then the sound of feet pounding down the track.

A big, hot palpitating lump (my heart, I suspect) came up and was stuck in my throat; my legs seemed to be made of cotton wool. Visions of gory corpses swam before me. Who was it—one of the kids? Or one of the men? .Or just the Beagle-hound pup?

I tottered off in the direction of the pounding feet and met them at the bend of the road. “W-what is it?”

I asked.

“Come quick, before they recover,”

I was told, they’re stunned. A nest of baby possums. The cutest things you've ever seen. Glider possums . .”

Possums, forsooth! I could have bitten the hand that grabbed me and pulled me up the bush track.

Falling trees have not been my lot of recent years, but it took me two days to recover from that one. While the fit was upon me I dug up my old New Guinea diary and, at a certain spot that describes a new camp we had made on the Ulahau River {inland, north-west of Wewak), read: ONE thing I have discovered since being here (New Guinea) is that I have a morbid fear of falling trees. I can’t understand this as I was brought up on a saw-mill in the New Zealand bush. (Query; Maybe mother was, in in the prenatal sense, “frightened” by a falling tree?). But there it is.

The site for the new house I selected myself. Centuries before it must have been part of a river bed; later, no doubt, a r ]Y e £ flat; k ut now is a terrace, 30 or 40 feet above the present level of the stream, about a quarter of an acre in extent and quite level. When we saw it first it was covered with tall timber and the usual tangled undergrowth of saplings, vines and creepers. The boys cleaned out the small stuff and made a leaf shelter to sleep under and shifted the tent-sail and our belongings up from below. I wasn’t particularly happy about this arrangement but I was assured that the trees could be felled in such a way as not to interfere with the camp. Anyhow, it is the wet season and I had to choose between being flooded out on the river bank and the menace -of falling trees.

As axe-men, the local gentry leave a lot to be desired although they are madly happy if given any sort of chopping instrument. Three or four or even more of them will attack a huge tree, whittling away with their fool little axes like wood-peckers. Because their antics fill me with foreboding I have taken particular notice of their technique and I’m sure that they have no idea of where a tree is going to fall until it actually begins to topple, then they get themselves out of the way with the agility of mountain goats.

Usually when they are clearing I remove myself at least half a mile away but when the time came to clear the larger timber on our flat I had fever and I was in bed in the improvised bedroom with what they called a “big fella sick.”

The sick was big enough, but not so big as to make me oblivious of all else, i spent a miserable day under a pile of trade-blankets while trees crashed all around me and the men made frequent calculations to prove that they would all miss me by at least a yard. They did.

But after the days work was over and the boys were standing waiting for their rice issue there was an ominous creaking from above, a scatter of bare feet and rice tins and a shriek of “Look out Masta! Diwai ’i like bruk now!”

I didn’t wait. Some sort of reflex action caused me to leap straight out of bed and I covered the first twenty feet in two hops and a jump. But fever, quinine and athletics don’t mix and an ant-bed was right in my path. I stretched my whole length in it, which naturally infuriated the ants who came out in thousands. This variety don’t bite; they are known to the boys as being of the “stink-finish” variety—in other words, they smell. But I was beyond caring about that. I lay there, on my tummy, thinking: “This is the end,” and waiting for the broken tree to crash into the middle of my back.

Nothing happened. I took a quick look over my shoulder; the whole matter of the broken diwai had straightened itself out. It was no tree; merely a limb that was cracked and ready to fall off. I crept back to my bed under the tent-sail, dusting off a few stray stink-finishers and hoping that my little excursion had gone unnoticed. Next morning my fever had left me and I took myself from that locality until everyone had finished with it. ★ RUT that is not the last word the diary has to say on the subject of falling trees. Many months later this entry appears : ONE of the teams working in the river has now come right up to just below the house. At that point there was a huge tree that overhung the flat.

Ground had been worked all around it and gold had been taken from its very roots. We watched it day by day, wondering what an extra large flood would do to it and, finally, it was decided that it would be best to get rid of it once and for all and be sure. The usual calculation had shown that, with care, it could be grubbed out and the whole line of boys swinging, at the critical moment, on the vines and canes that grew from it, could pull it to fall up the creek and miss the flat (and the house) altogether. No one asked my opinion but I gave it, freely. In my estimation the tree could fall no where else but right across the house. I was advised not to act like a silly old woman—it was well known that I had a kink where falling trees were concerned and no reliance whatever could be placed on my notions. The tree must —and would —come down.

OK, if that’s how it is, said I to myself, this time I stay right in the confounded house, and if the tree falls on me and kills me, then it serves them right.

Grubbing operations started next morning and continued most of the day.

It was a long process. True to my promise I stayed in the house. I sat in front of my typewriter and tried to write.

And occasionally I would go out to the end of the flat and look at that tree. As the day wore on, I went back to the typewriter after these inspections with more and more reluctance and about 3.30 took my last look at the tree. It would go any time now, I was told. It would just miss the point of the terrace.

I could see that it would go anytime— the boys were already manning the many kunda vines that trailed from it. They looked like silly little ants; and the tree was huge, with great, spreading branches.

I went slowly back to the house. Would I? Wouldn’t I? Was it worth risking a broken neck, or worse, just to prove that WOMAN IS SOMETIMES RIGHT?

Yells from the creek told me the tree was “talking.”

“No,” my lesser-self replied emphatically—better to be wrong than a cold, clammy corpse. I grabbed the lid of my typewriter, shoved it on, took the dog by the scruff of the neck and carrying both in my arms beat it —out across the terrace through the pumpkin patch to our primitive black-smith snop which was well out of the way of all possible danger.

Whoops and yodels were coming continuously from the river now, as the topmost leaves of the giant tree began to tremble. Then the tree gave a lurch and began to fall, slowly at first then with a mightly swoosh. The huge head of branches turned in mid-air—and down she came—crash! Horror and an inverted sort of satisfaction filled me— there it was, precisely where I said it would land, right across the centre of the house in which I had been sitting a few minutes before.

The cook-boy and I reached the scene of the disaster simultaneously. There was dead silence from the river below. The tree and its branches, stuck out far beyond the ruined house, still trembled with the impact. The air was full of pieces of thatching and bits of paper that I had left on what had once been a table, and dust from smashed wood sifted down over everything. The cook-boy and I looked at each other in silence. There was no need for words. We waded in through the mess and dug among the ruins. We retrieved a blue enamel meatsafe and a petrol lantern, both battered beyond repair. Silently we placed them outside what had once been a doorway.

Then Tulawai, the cook-boy found his voice: “The ” he wailed, shaking his fist in the direction of the river, “Al’gether something ’e buggerup finish!”

People passing the Brisbane City Congregational Church during one day in November, were surprised to see three black figures performing a war dance on the church’s steps. They were Papuan natives in port as members of a ship’s crew. The dance was given in appreciation of afternoon tea served by the Women’s Auxiliary of the London Missionary Society, and depicted in mime, Australian soldiers fighting the Japanese. 55 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER. 1949

Where Dead Ships Lie

By Geoffrey Shepherd SHOWN on Pacific maps, between New Caledonia and Queensland’s Great Barrier, there are two insignificantlooking specks, lying close together. These are Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs, at first glance just two of the Pacific’s many reefs —but what a history they have!

Like coral necklaces rising from the sea, they break from the Pacific in a welter of foam. With a reputation of being marine graveyards, veritable Goodwins of the Pacific, they are avoided like plague spots by all shipping to-day, for theirs is a grim history.

Since 1800 they have taken toll of at least 20 vessels which were driven by ill winds and currents onto their coral ramparts. These fangs of the sea had no verdure-covered shores peopled with friendly natives waiting to succour castaways.

I have seen Middleton Reef and some of the wrecks which, even in deatn, still cling to it. It was only a fleeting glimpse that I had, from a liner which was taking an observation, but as a picture of utter desolation and starkness, its chill memory remains with me yet.

ELIZABETH REEF was named after the first victim it snared, in 1831. It has a somewhat less villainous record than Middleton. It is about four miles in diameter and was visited, in 1936, by a small scientific party in the yacht, Wanderer. Middleton Reef was also visited on that occasion—one of the rare times when humans have voluntarily landed on these coral necklaces of death.

Middleton is 30 miles to the north of Elizabeth and is the slightly larger. Its first recorded victim was snared in 1806, although there is evidence that many unidentified vessels finished their careers there at an even earlier period.

Middleton has 12 recorded wrecks: Elizabeth eight; but loss of life has been far more severe on Middleton, a heavy toll being taken of the crews of the barques, Ramsay (1852), Mary Lawson (1866) and Errol (1909). With others Fate was less relentless—some crews were picked up by passing vessels as the reefs lie in the zone of early China-bound clippers and some reached the shores of Lord Howe Island, 120 miles south from Middleton. In this latter category were the crews from the Naiad (1855) which piled up on Elizabeth, and the Annasona and Maelgwyn, both wrecked in 1907.

Earlier this year, when on Lord Howe Island, I heard from a resident the strange story of the series of queer coincidences that dogged the sister ships, Annasona and Maelgwyn. Both sailed from the Mersey, Liverpool, during the same month in 1906. They were bound for different destinations but both encountered the same Pacific storm and both became wrecks—the Annasona piling up on Middleton Reef and the Maelgwyn being abandoned as a derelict off Lord Howe Island.

Crews of both vessels took to the boats and safely reached Lord Howe’s shores within a week of each other. It seemed, somehow, that the mystical hand of Fats had intervened, for the strangest feature in these links was that the derelict Maelgwyn, after being abandoned, was caught by currents and driven up onto Middleton Reef where she became reunited, in death, with her sister ship.

Middleton reef’s worst disaster was the loss of the Errol, a Norwegian barque bound for Newcastle from Peru. She carried 22 people, including Mrs. Andreason, the wife of the skipper, and their four young children.

The vessel struck the northern fringes of the reef in bad weather, at midnight on June 18, 1909. Heavy seas soon breached her and in the confusion of the disaster the first mate and three sailors were washed overboard and drowned.

Daylight revealed a cneeriess scene. The Errol was a hopeless wreck. Only her fore and aft sections remained awash and on these the 18 survivors clung.

There was tinned food in the galley— but the galley lay shattered at the bottom of the lagoon which was alive with sharks# There was no rush of volunteers to dive for it. Then a young Australian seaman named Lawrence, with reckless disregard of the perils lurking below, went down and managed to secure a meagre supply hf tinned food.

Days of despair slowly passed. On ths fourth day Captain Andreason and his second mate were caught in undercurrents and drowned when trying to make a raft from floating timber in the lagoon. His wife was not spared the horror of later seeing his body devoured by sharks With the captain dead, discipline slackened among the remnants of the thirst and hunger-crazed crew. Ominous glances were cast at the children, but the faithful Lawrence appears to have taken the family as his charge and warded off attempts of violence by the more desperate.

Men weakened and slipped off the wreck into the seas below. The few survivors were now desperate. At last five of them completed a raft and put off for the Annasona, leaving Lawrence behind on the shattered Errol with his charges.

The Annasona had been wrecked two years previously, but had been flung high upon the reef, about four miles away, and appeared to be in a well-preserved condition. The raft reached the wreck but hot before it had capsized, drowning one of the five. The Annasona proved to be a bare hulk, securer than the Errol certainly, but without supplies.

A week after the disaster a steamer bound for the islands from Sydney passed close in by the reef but failed to observe the addition of the new wreck, or the frantic efforts the castaways were making to attract attention. The steamer unheeding continued on, finally disappearing over the horizon.

Meanwhile, back on the Errol, tragedy had again struck. One morning Lawrence awoke to find the bodies of the woman and her children floating on the lagoon. The demented heart-broken woman had at last carried out her promise to rejoin her husband. On that battered hulk of tragedy Lawrence was left to himself and his bitter thoughts.

On the twenty-sixth day of their ordeal —ten days without water—another steamer approached the reef, sighted the wreck and this time deliverance was at hand. Those who survived were nicked up in the last stages of exhaustion. They were only five, but it is satisfying to know that the devoted Lawrence was among them. The curtain was at last rung down on the drama of the Errol.

To-day on Elizabeth Reef there are no visible remains of its wrecks. Time, tides and tempests have dislodged them from this reef’s grip and the dead ships lie in waters fathoms deep.

But on Middleton a few ribs from the shattered Errol protrude. And despite the bombing by the RAAF, which used it for war-time target practice, the old Annasona still clings there, her bow pointing defiantly upwards as if challenging the heavens to dislodge her.

Wnn the passing of the era of sail and the fact that the reefs are chartered and given a wide berth, it is many years since the seas brought them their grim tribute. The last victim Elizabeth claimed was the barque, Askoy in 1911, but Middleton Reef, almost as if aghast at the catastrophe it brought to the ill-fated Errol, has made no more claims on shipping.

These six youngsters, representing Fijian, Indian and European communities of Fiji were standard bearers at the 75th Anniversary of Cession celebrations on October 10.

Photo by Public Relations Office, Fiji. 56 DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLI

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Modern Fijian

EXAMINED

By Old Resident

(A Letter to the Editor) AS an old resident I should like to comment upon Mr. Price’s letter, published in June PIM, wherein he defended Indian workmen in Fiji, and was rather critical of Fijians. It was rather bluntly put; but, rather than chide him for indiscretion, I should like to congratulate him on having the courage to sign his name to what was obviously an honest expression of his views about Fijians generally.

His letter prompted two Fijians, attending Auckland University, suddenly to remember what a noble race they represented. They greatly deprecate that all Fijians, including .themselves, should be classed with the “unfortunate specimens who attracted Mr. Price.” No doubt Mr. Price had not met educated “specimens” like them. I have had the pleasure of knowing many, so I take it upon myself to speak for Mr. Price.

Like most natives of their type, your correspondents have only the sketchiest idea of Fijian communal life and history and have their whole conception of themselves and their people embodied in Rousseau’s theory, as a result of their sojourn in New Zealand, where they have learned that they are Nature’s gentlemen, or children of nature, or both; and if, as a race, they have any faults they were entirely due to the advent of the white man with his “vices and diseases.” Such is the outlook of our Anglo-Saxon idealists to-day, and this is instilled into these unfortunates who come to be “educated.”

That the Fijians are a proud race is news to me. I know much of their vanity; but racial pride is a new term for them and, in their own language, it had to be coined for them—like the words “gratitude” and “love,” which qualities were never known, and hence had no place in their vocabulary.

With the usual “Fijian educated” complex, they refer to “colour” and “fullblooded Fijian,” showing the usual prejudice of their type to the race that is educating them. Their prejudice at present is probably in the embryo stage, and will come to full maturity when they return to Fiji and find that the local Europeans, unlike those in New Zealand, maintain the racial barriers.

The suggestion that the book written by Helen D. Cato should be accepted as the truth about the Fijians is a trifle humorous. I should rather suggest “History of Fiji” by R. A. Derrick, who did know a little. When your correspondents suggest there are no “rogues, vagabonds and other personalities” among the Fijians, I can only imagine they mean criminals and, if this is so, a perusal of the Fiji papers over the last year would be enlightening.

IFEEL, in writing this letter, I am attempting to be a kindergarten teacher; the position would be comical if it were not tragic. Your correspondents are two of many natives who are training in the outside world to be something they can never be; that is, reasonable substitutes for Europeans. As parasites on their community, grabbers of public funds, autocrats and general oppressors they will probably be quite successful as so many of their kind are.

The old Fijian, between whom and the Whiteman there was always genuine af- 58

December, 19 4 9 -Pacific Islands Monthly

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Bank of New Zealand, Auckland. fection, has passed on, to the detriment of Fiji. He would work, not because he “worshipped a man whose skin happened to be white,” but because he loved work for work’s sake, as all honest men do. He respected the white man for what the white man was—not just white in skin, but something your two correspondents will probably never understand—and the white man respected the Fijian for what he knew the Fijian to be.

We now live in another era and. though the conditions are the work of my own race, I can only say, what an appalling result of their efforts! With their usual good intentions, they are making a race of worthless beings out of a hitherto likeable people. Education will do everything (they argue)—and here are two of the results.

With very little knowledge of their own race, and far less of the race that has nurtured them, they are supposed to be fitted to lead their own people into a better way of living. The first noticeable result of their higher education will be a considerable increase in the alcohol consumed in the Suva hotels, and a greater number of bad debts on the Chinese storekeepers’ books.

That is now tne Government hopes to fight the Indian problem: by backing a horse that has already lost. The Indian does at least justify his existence. The modern Fijian does not —or, rather, the modern Fijian is as the Native Administration would have him be.

I am, etc., Fiji, 22/10/49.

NEW ERA.

Ravuama Vunivalu, who has been studying co-operative methods in the United Kingdom, Europe and Ceylon, has returned to Fiji.

Opening New South Coast

Road, W. Samoa

From Our Own Correspondent APIA, November, 18.

A LARGE feast, in true Samoan style, was given on November 12 at Poutasi, Falealili district, by the Faipule of the district, Te’o and the people of Falealili, to celebrate the opening of an important stretch of the new road between Siumu and Poutasi which connects Apia direct with the South Coast of Upolu.

The High Commissioner, Government officials, European and Samoan representatives and a large gathering* of Samoans, estimated at about 7,000, attended the monster function.

The High Commissioner complimented the district on the valuable work it had done on the road, which would be of great benefit to them. A collection, taken for the establishment of a district hospital in Falealili, realised over £l,OOO. 59 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

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Telegrams and Cables: “GILBETS.” Sydney. 109 REGENT STREET. SYDNEY. 60 DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

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CODES: Bentley's Complete Phrase, Acme Population of Moturiki , Fiji , Will Be “Mass Educated” Next Year announced by the South Pacific Commission in November, the small island of Moturiki, off the west coast of Ovalau, in Fiji, has been selected as the site for an experiment in community development. The experiment will be conducted by ifCe Government of Fiji as part of a SPC project, and just what it means is described in the following article prepared by the Public Relations Office, Suva. It is scheduled to begin in January.

By way of explanation it is stated that community development schemes have been carried out in other British colonial territories under the name of “Mass Education” and they are “designed to promote better living in the whole of the community that is participating.”

The idea of being mass observed, or mass educated, or even of being promoted to better living en masse, will fill many readers with horror.

Others, conditioned to such post-war experiments, will view the project with an open mind. Nothing is said in the PRO statement as to how the 500 Fijian inhabitants of Moturiki feel about it, but as Fijians invariably cooperate 100 per cent, wth all Government-sponsored schemes, their goodwill must be taken for granted. If the scheme is carried out in its entirety they will benefit materially.

MOTURIKI has been chosen for the project in Fiji for a number of reasons. As a small island, five miles in length and two miles wide, it offers a finite field for experiment and recording. It contains a small tikina of just over 500 persons, grouped in 10 villages. These villages may be dealt with independently, but the island might also be considered as a single community. The island is capable of agricultural economy.

A reasonably accessible market for produce is available at Levuka.

The exact lines along which development will take place on Moturiki have not yet been decided but among the proposals which have been suggested are the re-building of houses and of the District School on the island, the development of copra production and the introduction of pineapples, the formation of co-operatives for farming and marketing, the introduction of small livestock, improvements to the island’s water supply and to latrines, health education, improved nutrition, the development of local crafts, a literacy campaign, and the construction of a jetty to facilitate the marketing of produce.

The project will be planned and its progress assisted by an Advisory Group led by the Director of Education, who is also an Associate Member of the South Pacific Research Council. Others in the Advisory Group will be the Director of 61 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

GILLESPIE’S The Flour TRADE MARK of the Islands - SY DN EY - Telegram: "CARRLOCK" P.O. Box 2140, Hong Kong CARRLOCK CO. LTD. 2nd Floor, Queen's Bldg., Chafer Road, HONG KONG General Merchants :: Commission Agents Exporters and Shippers of All Kinds of Merchandise To the Pacific Islands Representatives of Leading Manufacturers in HONG KONG

Inquiries Invited

Medical Services, the Director of Agriculture, the District Commissioner Southern (in whose district Moturiki lies), the .Registrar of Co-operative Societies and Ratu Edward Cakobau, representing the Fijian Affairs Board.

The project will be carried out by a Fijian community team, which will probably consist of a leader and co-operative adviser, a woman instructor for homecrafts and handicrafts, a senior assistant nurse for maternity and infant welfare work, an assistant Mosquito Inspector for work on hygiene and public health, a Field Assistant from the Department of Agriculture and a carpenter and house builder. The health workers will be under the general supervision of an Assistant Medical Practitioner, who will visit Moturiki from time to time.

When the team has been selected it will begin the project by making a comprehensive preliminary survey of Moturiki, with the assistance of specialist officers from Government Departments where necessary. The survey will cover such things as land tenure, land utilisation, housing and hygiene and the occupations and incomes of the adults on the island.

There will be a survey of the intelligence, practical ability and attainment of the school children. A comprehensive set of photographs of the island will be taken.

It is expected that the preliminary survey will take about six weeks and the team will then go to Nasinu Training College for training in work on the project. Using the results of the preliminary survey, the team will consider what can be attempted at Moturiki and how it can best be done. They will work out methods of co-operation between individual members of the team and they will consider the incentives by which the co-operation of the people of Moturiki can best be enlisted. Methods of recording and costing the project will be worked out.

During the training period, arrangements will be put in hand for building quarters of native type construction on Moturiki for the team and observers.

When the project ends there will be a re-survey along the lines of the preliminary survey, so that the progress which has resulted from the project can be measured. Further surveys will be carried out later from time to time as the agricultural and medical schemes mature.

It is expected that during the project opportunities will be found for selecting leaders for further community development schemes among the Fijian people.

Throughout the course of the project facilities will be afforded for visits bv observers both from other parts of Fiji and from the territories embraced by the South Pacific Commission.

Salaries of workers on the project will be paid by the Government of Fiji and all other expenses involved will be met by the South Pacific Commission. 62 DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

Famous RADIO STAR AND AUCTIONEER </ACK t>A!/£y says : “Hor licks takes the Jack Pot for flavour and nourishment!”

“What am I offered?”

W'hen Jack Davey steps onto his auctioneering rostrum at eleven in the morning he doesn’t come down again until four in the afternoon!

And that happens every Thursday and Friday at “Hi Ho House”, Sydney. In that time he trill sell anything from a fork to a fox fur — nonstop! “Yes,” says Jack , “I’ve got to keep going flat out for five solid hours — that’s why I always have a glass of Horlicks before I start.”

Radio Star, auctioneer, newspaper columnist, song writer . .. where does he get all that bubbling energy? Listen to Jack Davey himself: “I’ve been a Horlicks regular for many years.

Horlicks has always kept me going at the top of my form.”

Just like Jack Davey, you’ll enjoy the delicious, distinctive flavour of Horlicks. And, like Jack, you’ll find that Horlicks will give you extra energy.

The full, satisfying flavour of Horlicks comes from a careful blend of fresh, full-cream milk and the nutritive extracts of malted barley and wheat. It is Nature’s flavour . . . that’s why you never tire of it.

Many people drink Horlicks simply because they enjoy that distinctive flavour. Others drink Horlicks because they need it to build them up ... to nourish the body and nerves . . . and to induce deep, refreshing sleep.

But whatever the reason everyone enjoys Horlicks. It is equally delicious hot or cold.

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TIN L L TIN g b Prices slightly higher in country areas.

Baptists Enter Mission

FIELD New Station In New Guinea Highlands WITH singularly little beating of drums, the Australian Baptist Church has established itself in the New Guinea Mission field. A few months ago, a pioneer party from the newlyorganised Baptist New Guinea Mission went into the remote and isolated Baiyer Valley, 40 miles beyond Mount Hagen, in the newly-discovered Central Highlands region of New Guinea, and there established a mission station.

The work has gone ahead quickly and there is now a white staff of eight on the station, including two nursing sisters, in charge of Reverends J. Green and A.

Kroenert. The Baptists report that the people are very primitive, but are of a good type, and react quickly and satisfactorily to European instruction. The Baptists are giving special attention to technical training.

When Miss Wesley Smith and Mrs. A.

Kroenert proceeded to the Station recently they were incorrectly described in the PIM as LMS missionaries. Sister Jean Lawes, who also accompanied Miss Wesley Smith to New Guinea, has gone to the Lutheran hospital at Finschhafen for two months’ training before going on to the new station.

The Baiyer Valley runs north and south.

It is about eighteen miles long, and 40 miles north-east of Mt. Hagen, five or six miles wide; 3,500 feet above sea level; and surrounded by mountains running up to six and seven thousand feet. Fast flowing rivers cascade along the base of the mountains and tumble through gorges and rapids to join the Sepik River a hundred miles away.

The Baptist Mission station is on a plateau at the northern end of the Baiyer Valley and commands a view of the airstrip (seven miles away) and, indeed, of the whole area. There are about 10,000 people of the Enga tribe—so far, unaffected by Europeans—scattered in farms and small villages through Baiyer Valley, and countless thousands more in the surrounding areas.

Christening at Vanikoro From A Special Correspondent AT isolated Vanikoro Island, Santa Cruz Group, ESI, best known for its valuable kauri timber, the Rev. J. F.

Goldie, chairman of the Methodist Mission in the Solomons, on October 13, christened the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. Hodgson, who are recent arrivals from South Australia.

The baby, Annettel Marie, is the youngest of Vanikoro’s present white population of thirteen, and is the first white baby to be christened on the Island.

It was a case of a meeting between the youngest and oldest inhabitants; Annette had made her entry into the Solomons at the Central Protectorate Hospital at Honiara, 11 days previously and the Rev.

Goldie went to ESI in 1902.

The cost of transporting a young Fijian stowaway in the Waihemo to Vancouver and bringing him back in the Aorangi was £Bl/16/6. When the youth was charged at the Suva Magistrate’s Court it was stated that his father had agreed to repay the money at the rate of £2 a month. The boy was bound over for two years in his father’s recognisance of £lO, with two sureties of £lO each. 63 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

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December, 19 4 9 -Pacific Islands Monthly

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McEvoy Street, Alexandria, Sydney admired when dealing with people of equal social development, but harmful when applied to natives who have access, but are unadjusted, to European standards.

Under these conditions you can’t give natives a large measure of self-government overnight. You must prepare them for it over a period of generations. Without constant correction and education the native will throw an empty food can out the back door of his hut. He knows little and cares less about unclean gutters bringing him sickness. Unless disciplined he will eat the white man’s tinned food, live in his abandoned houses without the knowledge nor inclination to pay attention to elementary principles of hygiene. Just how high is the incidence of TB and Venereal Disease in Pago’s native quarter?

With naval buildings well maintained but the native and civilian areas in such sorry condition, the immediate query springs to mind—“ls US Naval Administration sufficiently interested or experienced to cope effectively with such a set-up . . . from the point of view of native welfare?” For this, apart from military proficiency, is the point of view under discussion.

Before attempting an answer, let us take a brief look at the administrative set-up:— (1) The governor of Eastern Samoa is a naval officer appointed by the President. (2) All laws are made by the governor and are subject to the approval of the Navy Department. (3) Natives have a considerable amount of self government, enacting laws concerning counties and villages, retaining as far as possible their old forms of government.

Perhaps the root of the trouble is constitutional, and native interests would be better served by an administration independent of the Navy and answering to some authoritative body similar to the Western Pacific High Commission in Suva.

With Tuituila’s natural wealth it seems odd too, that a healthy private enterprise has not been fully encouraged? No doubt by now the US has already discussed future improvements of native welfare with other nations of the South Pacific Commission in Noumea.

Meanwhile, perhaps some local resident can, through the columns of this journal, enlighten us further as to the true conditions existing in Pago to-day.

During deputation work in Tasmania, the Rev, Kolmio Saukuru, Fijiian Methodist Missionary to Australian Aborigines, was given a civic reception in Hobart and Launceston.

Death Of Mr. D. H. Ward

DARU, PAPUA, Nov. 3. rpHE death occurred in his sleep yes- JL terday of Mr. D. H. Ward, European medical assistant. His funeral, today, was attended by European residents, native medical orderlies, members of the Royal Papuan Constabulary, and a large number of natives.

Mr. Ward leaves a widow and daughter who will, for the present, continue to live at Daru. He had been stationed at Daru for some time and was well liked by all who knew him, his efforts on behalf of his native patients being greatly appreciated.

Mr. N. E. Nilsen, late geperal manager of Emperor Gold Mine, Fiji, and Mrs.

Nilsen arrived in Sydney in November.

Mr. Nilsen will in future act as head of the Emperor Company, in place of Mr, E. G. Theodore (retired recently owing to ill-health) and will pay frequent visits to Fiji. 65 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949 PAGO PAGO IS A DIS- APPOINTMENT (Continued from page 51)

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Mr. J. N. Clifford, an Australian serviceman who has had his sight restored by surgery, will leave Sydney soon to spend a long holiday in Fiji. Japanese illtreatment, while he was a prisoner on the Burma Road, caused the complete loss of his sight, about 1944. He was persuaded, six months ago,, to go to England for a specialist operation. When, five weeks after the operation, the bandages were removed, he could see again. The specialist had straightened a twisted nerve.

W. Samoa Legislative Assembly Keenly Debates Territory Affairs Prom Our Own Correspondent APIA, November 18.

THE Legislative Assembly of Western Samoa met on October 26 for its third session for 1949 at the Fono House at Mulinu’u, the traditional seat of the Samoan Government. The Supplementary Estimates for the current financial year and other important business were discussed. The session ended on November 11. The debates were carried on in English and Samoan and for the first time broadcast, in full, by Apia Broadcasting Station, 2AP. The public took a great interest in this innovation and welcomed the opportunity to listen to the proceedings which previously had been open to only a few of the favoured.

Status of Chinese A REPORT presented to the Assembly by the High Commissioner on the status of Chinese inhabitants of Western Samoa was vigorously debated.

Certain requests had been made by the Chinese Consul in Suva, Fiji, on behalf of the Chinese inhabitants of the Territory and the Government desired to elucidate public feeling before making a decision.

There are 173 Chinese in the Territory, 83 of whom are old men over 60. and 90 younger men working on plantations. It was contended that there are no legal powers to restrict Chinese in their choice of work and employment and that the Chinese will automatically become free citizens of the Territory in the next four years. The existing prohibition of marriage between Chinese- and Samoan women had also to be considered, as in the opinion of the New Zealand Government this prohibition is now not warranted. The offspring of these unions 66 , n „*ri p T f ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER. 1949 PACIFIC 1 » L A

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During the debate the opinion was advanced that the present difficulty was due to the laxity of the former Governments in not carrying out the repatriation of Chinese labourers after the expiration of their three-year contracts. Samoan and European members agreed, however, that the small remaining number of fullblooded Chinese should be allowed to become free settlers. It was also agreed that the descendents of unions of Chinese and Samoan women, should of their own choice, be allowed to take the status either of Samoans or Europeans and enjoy the full rights of their new status and that their illegitimacy should be no bar to citizenship, as the conception of illegitimacy was, in any case, unknown to Samoan custom until the arrival of the missionaries. The immediate lifting of the prohibition of legal marriage between Chinese and Samoans was also recommended unanimously by members. Any further immigration of Chinese into the Territory, including re-entry of Chinese formerly repatriated was, however, strongly opposed by Samoan members.

Finances THE financial position of the Territory was disclosed when the Supplementary Estimates for the current financial year were submitted to the Assembly.

Estimated receipts in the Main Estimates were £421,600 and transferred from Reserves £118,150. In the Supplementary Estimates, the estimated revenue is increased by £23,985 (mainly Store Tax, copra export duty and building tax). Additional expenditure asked for in the Supplementary Estimates amounts to £8,405, leaving at the end of the financial year, an estimated credit balance of £19,415 which will be returned to Reserves.

In addition to this there is still the General Reserve Fund of £500,000.

In the debate that followed, several members criticised the Government financial policy and expressed apprehension of the future. Stricter economy was advocated and the hope expressed that the appointment cf a new Public Service Commission shortly would lead to more economical working of the various Departments and greater efficiency. The newly-established Agricultural Department should be of assistance in a drive for increased production, which in turn should provide more revenue for the Government.

During the debate on the Education Department vote, the construction of expensive school buildings at the present time was severely criticised by members Plans and specifications had, in the opinion of members, not been prepared with sufficient care and in some cases estimates were greatly exceeded. Though the necessity of a good and thorough education was generally acknowledged, some members considered that the present expenditure on education strained the financial resources of the country to the utmost.

In the matter of health services it was suggested that free medical services should be provided for all inhabitants and instead of the present payments for services, a medical levy should be introduced.

An incrase in remuneration from £52 to £7B per annum was granted to the members of the Fono of Faipule, the Samoan Parliament, owing to the increase in the cost of living.

In a debate on Government vehicles for the island of Savai’i, a Savai’i representative strongly urged the claims of the Savai’i people for more consideration by the Government, as Savai’i was contributing a large share of the Government revenue through the large quantities of cocoa and copra produced on the island.

The Public Works Department vote was criticised and the Government accused of exceeding by £1,600 the vote on a building bought for housing a new teacher from New Zealand and using this large building for one teacher instead of for several as was recommended by the Assembly.

In discussing the vote for the improvement of reef passages, particularly in Savai’i, Government, European and Samoan members stressed the need for this work and recommended more expen- (Continued on page 69) diture for these urgently required improvements. 67 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

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Empire Preference A REPORT tabled by a Select Committee of the Assembly making certain recommendations regarding abolition of the existing Preferential Customs Tariff on British goods, and modification of certain tariff rates, caused a lengthy and interesting discussion. Reduction of duty on staple lines, mainly foodstuffs was also recommended by the Committee in order to lower the cost of living for the people.

Recommendations for the expansion of existing industries and introduction of new industries in the Territory were also made and a protective tariff was suggested, to stimulate and assist.

The report was received by the Assembly and referred to the Government for consideration and action.

Meat Inspection A REPLY to a question by a member regarding the present system of meat inspection in the Territory evoked the answer from the Chief Medical Officer that there was no regular meat inspection at all, because of shortage of staff in the Health Department. The CMO admitted also that practically all herds of cattle in the Territory were infected with Tuberculosis. He minimised the danger by stating that meat from young cattle who are less diseased does not endanger human health, especially if well cooked. At present only samples of meat are occasionally taken from carcases. In the debate that followed, this situation was condemned by members who strongly requested that regular meat inspection be resumed immediately to safeguard meat consumers, particularly as TB is steadily spreading among the inhabitants of the Territory. Inspection of herds and elimination of diseased beasts was also recommended.

UK Copra Contract INFORMATION was given regarding the present copra contract with the British Ministry of Food, which has just been received in Apia. The contract price in Samoan currency is £4B of which £45 is paid to exporters and £3 is retained by the Copra Board towards the Stabilisation Fund.

A motion to increase remunerations of members of the Legislative Assembly was approved of, although European members voted against it. European members acknowledged, however, that Samoan members, coming to Apia from faraway districts, had more expenses and had, in accordance with Samoan custom, great obligations of entertainment, travelling expenses, etc.

Radio LACK of co-operation of villagers in the broadcasting scheme and neglect of receiving sets in the villages causing considerable cost and trouble to the Government was described in a report by the Superintendent of Radio submitted to the Assembly. This led to a lengthy debate in which the lack of interest of villagers was attributed to the monotonous programmes provided and various suggestions for improvement of broadcasting services were made. Some difficulty was also experienced in placing the receiving sets in a suitable house in the villages so that they could be made available at all times to listeners and particularly to schoolchildren for educational broadcasts during the day. It was resolved that a special commission of inquiry visit outside districts and get into touch with villagers in order to effect improvements and attract interest in the programmes offered by Station 2AP.

Village Councils PROBABLY the most important subject before the Assembly was a motion by the secretary of Native Affairs to investigate an increase in the powers of the Samoan village councils ( Ali’i and Faipule) and also the possibility of establishing a town government in the Apia area. This motion was widely debated. It was generally agreed that the powers of the Ali’i and Faipule (chiefs and orators) in the villages should be 69 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

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9 BRAND increased and that present laws restricting their powers should be amended to bring them into line with the new set-up of Government. The second part of the motion, the possibility of town government in Apia and its investigation by a proposed Commission of Inquiry, found strong opposition amongst the Samoan members who remember something of the old municipality of Apia 50 years ago, which was a foreign area in which the Samoans had no say whatever. Reference to the town government in Apia was deleted from the motion and it was agreed that the Commission of Inquiry consider only the question of local government in the villages and districts.

Revaluation of Currency AMOTION to investigate the advisability of establishing an independent •Samoan £ as apart from the New Zealand £, was, after lengthy discussion, referred to a Select Committee of the Assembly for further action. It was pointed out that New Zealand conditions, economic and political, were totally different from those in Samoa and that the present dependence of the Samoan currency on the New Zealand currency may in future lead to serious economic disadvantages for Samoa.

On conclusion of the business before the Assembly the High Commissioner commented that the session had been a difficult one, but although lengthy and somewhat tiring had been interesting and informative. The debates had been particularly useful to the Government and official members.

Visit of USA Congressional Party to Assembly A PLEASING interlude during the session occurred on November 8 when a party of members of the US Congress, who are on an official visit to American Samoa, flew over to Apia from Pago Pago and paid a courtesy visit to the Legislative Assembly then in session at Mulinu’u. Speeches expressing the pleasure and goodwill and the spirit of co-operation and friendship existing between the two Governments and the people of American and Western Samoa were exchanged by the High Commissioner and the Speaker of the Congressional party.

Samoan Eagerness For

EDUCATION WHEN the Western Samoan Legislative Assembly voted £2,000 for a new school at Aleisa, the Samoans of Aleisa were so pleased that they offered to provide the labour for nothing, so that a bigger building might be erected.

Under PWD supervision, a schoolhouse oi 65 ft. by 25 ft. was erected, divided by a movable partition. It now accommodates 136 Samoan children, and four teachers.

The photographs show: TOP. —The new schoolhouse and the teacher’s residence, at the back.

CENTRE.—The younger children clear- 70 DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFTC ISLANDS MONTHLY

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LOWER. —Older pupils cutting firewood which they sold to raise funds for a concrete cricket-pitch.

Coconuts from Rabaul have for the first time since the war, been on sale in Brisbane for some weeks now. A favourite fruit with Brisbane youngsters, the coconuts are sent by sea in monthly consignments.

Tonga'S Finance Minister

Dies In Suva

MR. HORACE EVANDER NICOLSON, Minister of Finance in the Government of Tonga and a member of the Queen’s Privy Council, died at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, Suva, on November 25.

Accompanied by his wife, Mr. Nicolson was taken to Suva from Nukualofa by art RNZAF Catalina on November 23, a few days after he had become ill.

Mr. Nicolson, who was born at Thames, New Zealand, 51 years ago, entered the Tongan Government service in 1925. His industry and devotion to the interests of the Kingdom won him the widest possible respect in all circles in Tonga as well as among many people in Fiji and New Zealand.

Reg. Smith, at the Edmonds plantation. Haapitl, Moorea, French Oceania, warns his big brown hen that she must not let her ducklings go near the river, to be taken by eels. And the hen didn’t! She complacently watched them swim in a pool made by a leaking tap beside the bungalow. 71 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

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FIJI; Mr. K. Witherington, 2 Burns Philp Buildings, Suva. 72 DECEMBER, 1949-PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

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The Gentle Art of Dentistry—New Guinea Highlands Style DENTISTRY is playing an important part in the medical work now being carried out in the Central Highlands of New Guinea.

Most casual visitors to the Highlands area hind this hard to believe because after the betelnut-chewing coastal natives, they are amazed at the apparently strong-looking white teeth that the Highlanders possess. However, experience has proved that the natives in these areas have as many dental ailments as their coastal cousins—if not more. It is an odd day, indeed, that goes by without a medical assistant or missionary being approached by a native holding his swollen face in his hands.

The dental work being carried out is, in the main, in its most elementary form, as like most native peoples, the Highland patients never present themselves for treatment before the pain drives them to it, and by that time, the tooth—or teeth— are so far gone that there is only one answer to the problem, and that is extraction.

This apparently does not cause them the anxiety and nervous tension that is common in most European dental clinics.

Their main worry is to be rid of the offending tooth, and should they suffer a little pain in the course of extraction, they are only too pleased to put up with it. In some cases—particularly on isolated mission stations where supplies are hard to get and harder to keep—no anaesthetic is given, and by all reports, there has never yet been a native patient refuse to have an aching tooth removed because of the lack of it.

The usual amenities of Southern dental clinics are missing up here. The dental surgery is usually in the open air with the patient squatting on an upturned box which serves as a dental chair—as shown in photograph.—DAlKA. 73 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

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Rising Cost of Fiji Health Service SUVA, Nov. 27. rE cost of Fiji’s medical service has trebled in the last 13 years, rising from 8/0.77d. a head in 1936 to 24/4.49d. a head in 1948.

During 1948, gross expenditure totalled £351,764; revenue totalled £21,545, and net expenditure £330,219.

Rising costs of drugs, equipment and feeding of patients are responsible for the increase.

The Medical Department’s statistics show that the five main hospitals (Suva, Lautoka, Levuka, Labasa and Tamavua) cared for more Indian in-patients in 1948 than patients for all other races combined. Indian patients numbered 5,497 and others totalled 4,670 (710 Europeans and part-Europeans, 3,196 Fijians, 764 Chinese and others).

Out-patients at Suva, the three district hospitals, Tamavua, the 14 rural hospitals and the 36 rural dispensaries totalled 330,806. Fijians were in a majority with a total of 200,624, but almost half this total was accounted for by the rural dispensaries. European out-patients numbered 15,245, Indian 105,472 and Chinese and others 9,465.

Mormon Missionaries In

W. SAMOA Missionaries of the American Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) are invading Western Samoa in strength. They now have a staff of 20 in the Territory, engaged mostly in church and school work. Two recent arrivals, in the above photograph, have caused interest because they are said to be the first Hawaiians to go abroad for the Mormon Church. They are Keawe (on the left) and Kalili Moku. Both are well-educated, and speak flawless English. —Photo by Superflash Studio.

DECEMBER, 1949-PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

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Liquor Law Equality

STRUGGLE Fiji Government Abandons Its Thorny Bill From Our Own Correspondent SUVA, Nov. 25.

THE Liquor Bill, one of the most bitterly contested pieces of proposed legislation in the History of Fiji, has been abandoned and withdrawn by the Government.

Published in 1946, the Bill, which proposed the removal of restrictions on the sale of liquor to, and consumption by, Indians, while retaining the rigid and very limited permit system for all but a few Fijians, immediately provoked a storm of opposition. .This opposition included all the Christian missions, as well as other powerful groups, who contended mainly that an “open slather” for all Indians, whether responsible or irresponsible, would open the door to a great exploitation of the still-prohibited Fijians by bootlegging individuals or organisations.

It was freely stated that in order to make a concession to the Indian demand for equality with Europeans the Government appeared to be willing to “throw the Fijians to the wolves.”

Held up by petitions, the Bill did not reach the Legislative Council until 1947, when, of the 15 unofficial members, four Indians and one European supported it The remaining European and the Fijian members tore it to shreds. The one Indian critic of the measure opposed it on social and religious grounds but, like his companions, simultaneously waved the flag of “equality”.

The Bill was referred to a Select Committee of seven members, whose report was not tabled until last August.

IN his opening address at the Budget session of the Council to-day, the Governor (Sir Brian Freeston) said:— “Only one member supported the Bill in the form in which it was presented. An alternative proposal was submitted by four of the seven members but was not acceptable to the other three. In these circumstances, the Government has decided not to proceed with the Bill, which will accordingly be withdrawn ... No further action will be taken until some alternative system can be proposed vhich will receive substantial support from all parties concerned.”

In the public view the fate of the Bill was sealed when it became known that the Select Committee was as much at loggerheads as the Legislative Council had been.

The mystery of the Government’s persistence in pushing the measure along in 1946-47, in the teeth of vehement, responsible and disinterested opposition, is not explained. The only achievement of the Bill is a three-year record of angry inter-racial strife.

Death Of H. B. Harricks

THE death occurred at Lautoka, Fiji, on November 20, of Mr. H. B. Harricks who was for many years cconnected with the sugar industry of the Colony. He was born in Queensland and joined the Colonial Sugar Refining Co. Ltd. in 1899.

He spent 40 years at Labasa, where for 10 years he was a private planter, leasing one of the CSR Company’s estates. Later he re-joined the Company’s staff. He retired about 10 years ago and has since been living at Korotoga, Nadroga.

Mr. Harricks is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.

A very successful Village School Games Day was held on September 23-24 on the large school grounds of Malifa Government School, Western Samoa, with 4,000 school children from five school districts of the island of Upolu, participating in marching, dancing, singing, handicrafts, sports and gymnastics competitions. The games and competitions, organised by the Director of Education, Mr. K. R.

Lambie, proved a great success and the Malifa grounds presented a colourful picture of merry crowds of school children, in their bright and picturesque school uniforms, and wreaths of flowers.

A daughter was born to the Rev. and Mrs. N. H. Mapperson, in Apia hospital, Western Samoa, in September. 75 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

An ornate example of historical keys, this XVlth Century French key features the sporting motif in its club and animal ♦ carvings. It seems to have been the key to a Duke’s country lodge.

A 4 * 1 £4 ~£r m* > s . ■ m A Th e sure a e to s CAPSTAN FINE CUT NAVY CUT TOBACCOS or 1657./.48 ■ 76 DECEMBER, 1949-PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

RMS “Aoranri”

Honolulu Oct. 27 Dec. 29 Mar. 2 May 4 July 6 Suva Nov. 5 Jan. 7. 1950 Mar. 11 May 13 July 15 Auckland Nov. 8-10 Jan. 10-12 Mar. 14-16 May 16-18 July 18-20 Sydney, arr. Nov. 14 Jan. 16 Mar. 20 May 22 July 24 Sydney, dep. Nov. 24 Jan. 26 Mar. 30 June 1 Aug. 3 Auckland Nov. 28-29 Jan. 30-31 Apr. 3-4 June 5-6 Aug. 7-8 Suva Dec. 2 Peb. 3 Apr. 7 June 9 Aug. 11 Honolulu Dec. 9 Feb. 10 Apr. 14 Tune 16 Aug. 18 Vancouver Dec. 16-22 Feb. 17-23 Apr. 21-27 June 23-29 Aug. 25-31 Subject to Alterations Without Notice.

Auckland Nov. 26 Dec. 29 Suva Nov. 29-30 Jan. 2-3 Nukualofa Dec. 2-3 Jan. 5-6 Vavau Dec. 5 Jan. 7 Pago Pago* Dec. 5 Apia* Dec. 6-8 Jan. 7-10 Suva Dec. 11-12 Jan. 13-14 Auckland Dec. 16 Jan. 18 * Western Time.

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Shipping And Plane Services

Ship Services

rE following sea and air services are running to schedules in the Pacific.

Not all of the regular services which were suspended, owing to war conditions. have been restored; but preparations are under way for their early reintroduction. As they become available they will be announced here.

Sydney-NZ-Fiji-Hawaii-Nth. America THE itinerary of the Canadian-Australaslan liner "Aorangi” (17,500 tons) Is Sydney, Auckland.

Suva (Fiji), Honolulu (Hawaii), Victoria (Vancouver Island), and Vancouver (British Columbia, Canada). Time-table lor the Pacific section of her run is:— New Zealand —Fiji— Samoa —Tonga Monthly Service by MV “Matua”

SERVICE CONDUCTED BY UNION 8S CO.,

Ltd.—Subject To Alteration Without

NOTICE New Caledonia THE New Caledonian Government has subsumed ana maintained lac oomux baipping services. The East Coast, the West Coast, and the Loyalty Islands, under present condition*, receive 10 round trip* per annum.

The ships call at the following ports: EAST COAST.—Yate, Ounia, Thio, Nakety.

Canala, Kouaoua Kua, Moneo, Ponerthouen, Tibarama, Polndlmle, Wagap, Touho, Tlplndje, Hienghene, Tao, Oubatch, Pouebo, Balade, Pam, Arama, and return.

WEST COAST.— Pouembout, Kone, Temala, Voh, Ouaco Gomen, Koumac, Tangaiou. Tiebaghl, Nehoue, Poume, Baaba, Belep and return.

LOYALTY ISLANDS.—Mare (Tadine), Llfou (Chepenehe) Ouvea (Fajaoue, St. Joseph) and return.

The steamer “Neo Hebrldals” runs regularly between Noumea and Sydney, with occasional trips to the New Hebrides (mostly Aneltyum).

The owners are Societe Maritime et Manlere Hagen, Noumea. Sydney agents: H. C. Sleigh, 254 George Street, Sydney.

New Zealand—Cook Is.—Niue—Samoa THE motor vessel “Maui Pomare” owned and operated by the NZ Government, maintains a direct service between Auckland and Rarotonga (Cook Islands), with alternative calls at Niue and Apia (Samoa).

Sydney-Papua- New Guinea T>URNS, PHILP LINE motor-vessels "Bulolo” and “Malaita.” maintain regular services between Sydney and ports in Papua-New Guinea.

“Bulolo” leaves Sydney, northbound, approximately every six weeks; “Malaita” every seven weeks.

“Bulolo” calls at Brisbane. Port Moresby, Samarai, Lae, Dregarhafen, Rabaul, Samaral, Port Moresby. Brisbane. thence back to Sydney.

The “Malaita’s” schedule varies considerably.

She calls at Port Moresby only occasionally, but usually calls at Samaral, Lae, Madang, Manus, Rabaul, Samaral, thence direct to Sydney—ports of call being In that order. Sometimes the order of calls is Samaral, Rabaul, Manus, Madang, Lae, Samarai. Intending passengers should check with Burns, Phllp & Co., Ltd., Sydney, or Island branches.

Sydney-Norfolk Island- New Hebrides The SS “Morinda,” Burns, Philp & Co., Ltd., runs at approximately threemonthly intervals from Sydney to Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, and main ports of the New Hebrides, and return.

Air Services

Summary of Pacific Air Services PAPUA AND NEW GUlNEA.—Regular Qantaa service from Sydney.

SOLOMON ISLANDS.—Frequent regular flyingboat service from Sydney by Trans Oceanic Airways. Qantas service also from Lae, NG, to Honiara, BSI.

NEW HEBRlDES.—Frequent regular flying-boat service from Sydney by Trans Oceanic Airways. Service from Noumea by French plane 77 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

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WATERVIEW ST., RYDE ( Sydney )’ NeSeWe Telegrams; Halvorsens, Sydney. Phone. Hyde

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riihs twice weekly. Qantas plane from Sydney to NH on alternate Tuesdays.

NORFOLK ISLAND.—Regular service from NZ by NZ National Airways; from Sydney by Qantas; from Fiji by NZ National Airways.

LORD HOWE ISLAND—Regular weekly service from Sydney by Qantas and Trans Oceanic Airways.

FIJI. —Regular services from Australia by Pan American, BCPA and CPA (to Nadi); Auckland by NZ National Airways (to Nadi); from Australia by Qantas (to Laucaia Bay, Suva); from Auckland by NZ National Airways (to Laucaia Bay, Suva). Irregular calls from Australia to Laucaia Bay, Suva, by Trans Oceanic Airways. Regular service from Suva to Labasa by NZ National Airways.

Western Samoa, Cook Islands And

TONGA. —Regular service from Fiji by NZ National Airways.

TAHlTl.—Monthly service from Noumea by TRAPAS plane via Fiji, W. Samoa, Cook Is.

DU't'CS NEW GUlNEA.—Regular weekly service ii-om Batavia by KLM.

AUSTRALIA-NEW ZEALAND.—ReguIar service by Tasman Empire Airways.

AUSTRALIA-NORTH AMERICA.—Regular Transpacific services by Pan American Airways, BCPA and CPA.

EUROPE - INDO-CHINA -N. CALEDONlA.—Fortnightly service by Air France.

NZ National Airways South Pacific Services r T'HE Pacific services run by the New Zealand 1. National Airways Corporation are as follows: AUCKLAND-LAUCALA BAY (SUVA): A “Sunderland” flying-boat leaves Mechanics Bay.

Auckland, at 11.30 p.m. each Monday for Laucaia Say, Suva (arrives 8.16 a.m. the following day).

The aircraft departs from Laucaia Bay, Suva, on the return journey at 7.30 a.m. each Wednesday, and arrives at Mechanics Bay, Auckland, at 4.15 a.m. the following day.

Laucala Bat (Suva)-Labasa (Vanda

LEVU): A “Sunderland” flying-boat operates this service on a charter basis. A return trip is made between Laucaia Bay and Labasa each Tuesday.

AUCKLAND-NORFOLK ISLAND-FIJI-TONGA- WESTERN SAMOA-COOK ISLANDS: A “Douglas” airliner leaves Whenuapai, Auckland, on alternate Tuesdays at 9 a.m. (Dec. 13, 27, etc.) for Norfolk Island (arr. 12.55 p.m.; dep. 2 p.m.), Nadi (arr. 8.40 p.m., dep. 5.40 a.m.

Thursday), Nausori (arr. 6.25 a.m., dep. 7.30 a.m.), Tonga (arr. 10.50 a.m., dep. 11.50 a.m.), *Faleolo, Western Samoa (arr. 4.5 p.m. Wednesday, dep. 8 a.m. Thursday), Aitutaki, Cook Islands (arr. 1.50 p.m. Thursday, dep. 2.50 p.m.), Rarotonga, Cook Is. (arr. 4.5 p.m.).

The aircraft departs from Rarotonga on the return journey at 8 a.m. on alternate Saturdays (Dec. 3, 17, 31, etc.), at 8 a.m., for Aitutaki (arr. 9.15 a.m., dep. 10 a.m.), Faleolo, W.

Samoa (arr. 3.15 p.m., dep. 8 a.m. Sunday), ♦Tonga (arr. 10.55 a.m. Monday, dep. 11.50 a.m.), (arr. 4.25 p.m., dep. 5 a.m. Tuesday), Norfolk Nausori (arr. 2.40 p.m., dep. 3.40 p.m.), Nadi Is. (arr. 10.55 a.m., dep. 12 noon), Whenuapai, Auckland (arr. 4.50 p.m.). •Crosses International Date Line.

AUCKLAND-NORFOLK ISLAND: A “Douglas” airliner leaves Whenuapai, Auckland, every Sunday at 8.15 a.m. for Norfolk Island (arr. 12.15 p.m.), and departs on the return flight at 1.15 p.m., arriving at Whenuapai at 6 p.m.

FARES, single (in NZ currency): Auckland to Norfolk, £l2/10/-; to Fiji, £3l; to Tonga, £3l; to Samoa, £34; to Aitutaki, £39; to Rarotonga. £39/10/-. Norfolk to Fiji. £l9. Fiji to Tonga, £B/15/-; to Samoa, £l3; to Aitutaki, £29/15/-; to Rarotonga, £3l. Samoa to Rarotonga, £l7/15/-; to Aitutaki, £l6/10/-; Suva to Labasa, £4/10/-. Return fares, less 10 per cent.

BOOKING OFFICES: Wellington, Govt. Life Bldg., Customhouse Quay; Auckland, Airways 78 DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

If You Cannot Sleep FEEL FIT FOR NOTHING.

You may be anaemic or bloodless, for this ailment plays havoc with your health and nervous energy. You feel terribly nervy; suffer headaches and dizzy spells, have poor appetite, cannot sleep at night —losing those precious hours of rest and recovery, essential for your health and fitness.

Many people have recovered from these miseries by taking Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills, which have relnvigorated, strengthened their systems and banished the vague pains and weariness. Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills always help to enrich and increase the blood supply, giving beneficial help to the nerves, tissues and organs of the body. With enriched blood you cannot help feeling happier, sleeping better, becoming relnvigorated.

Stop anaemia making you a suffering Invalid without delay. Take Dr. Williams’

Pink Pills and soon notice the difference in your eyes, skin, nerves and general health. At all chemists and stores.

Box 3838 GPO, Cable Address, “Care” Sydney.

Sydney. Australia

Island Merchants

*

4 York St., Sydney

All kinds Island Produce sold on commission. All merchandise purchased at best wholesale price and original invoices supplied.

Use our 50 years’ experience as Island Merchants.

J

Kwong Chong Brothers

★ General Merchants and Planters Hove now re-established their business on their original pre-war site, and are carrying stocks of Trading and Plantation requirements. All enquiries welcomed and service assured.

Sydney Representatives: NELSON & ROBERTSON PTY., LTD, Electra House, 12 Spring Street, Sydney, N.S.W.

Kwong Chong Brothers

Kemarere Street, Rabaul

House, Customs St.; Dunedin, 8-10 Manse St.; Christchurch, 104 Gloucester St.; Gisborne, 74 Peel St.; Palmerston North, 107 Broadway Ave.; Hamilton, 8 Alma St.; Fenton St.; New Plymouth, Grand Central Building, Egmont St.; Hokitika, Southside Airport; Norfolk Is., Burns Philp, Ltd.; Fiji, NAC at Nadi and Suva; Burns Philp, Labasa and Lautoka; Tonga, Mrs. F. F. Melhose, Fou-amotu Airfield; W. Samoa, Burns Philp (SS), Ltd., Apia; Cook Is., Mrs. P. McVeagh, Aitutaki, and Mr. J. D. Campbell, Rarotonga.

Sydney—Queensland— New Guinea QANTAS Empire Airways, Ltd., employing DCS planes, operate a regular service between Sydney, Port Moresby, Lae, Finschhafen, Madang, Rabaul, Bulolo and Wau, and return via Brisbane, Rockhampton, Townsville and Cairns.

This service is now known as the “Bird of Paradise” Service. DCS aircraft, carrying 19 passengers, are useo.

Planes leave Sydney on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 9 a.m., and arrive at Lae at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The plane which leaves Sydney on Wednesday and arrives at Lae on Thursday then goes on to Rabaul. It returns on Friday. The plane, which arrives at Lae on Tuesdays, then goes on to Madang, returning to Lae the same day.

The plane, which arrives at Lae at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, flies on to Bulolo and Wau on Wednesday afternoons, and returns to Lae.

Planes leave Lae at 5.45 a.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, and arrive in Sydney at 10.15 p.m., accomplishing the Lae-Sydney run in a day.

The return plane from Rabaul leaves at 1.30 p.m. on Fridays.

Bookings may be made at Qantas offices at any of the towns named. At present, berths are available only to passengers holding official permits to visit Papua or New Guinea.

Qantas Subsidiary Services In

Papua-New Guinea-Solomons

Qantas Empire Airways run the following subsidiary services in Papua, New Guinea, and British Solomons:— A Douglas DC3 leaves Lae, New Guinea, every Wednesday, and flies to Rabaul, and Kavieng, and returns to Lae; but every alternate Wednesday the plane goes on from Kavieng to Manus, and returns via Kavieng to Rabaul (overnight) and returns to Lae on the Thursday morning.

Every Wednesday a plane flies from Lae to Madang and Wewak, and thence * direct to Rabaul. It returns from Rabaul to Lae on Thursrday.

Every alternate Monday, a Qantas Catalina flies from Port Moresby, westward to Daru, via Yule Island, Kerema, Kikori, Lake Kutubu and Lake Murray, remaining overnight at Kikori and returning to PM next morning.

Once weekly a plane leaves Port Moresby for Kokoda and Popendetta and returns following the Kokoda Trail for most of the way.

Every alternate Wednesday, a Qantas Catalina flies from Port Moresby, eastward to Samarai, via Abau and Milne Bay; remains overnight at Samarai, and on the following day (Thursday) flies out over the archipelagoes, calls at Esa’ala, Kirlwlna, Woodlark and Deboyne Lagoon, and return to PM, via Samaral, Milne Bay and Abau.

Every alternate Monday, a Qantas Catalina leaves Port Moresby for Rabaul, via Moewe Harbour, and Talasea (New Britain); next morning (Tuesday) it flies to Buka, Kieta and Buin (Bougainville) and returns to Rabaul; next morning (Wednesday) it flies to Talasea, Moewe Harbour and Jacquinot Bay, and returns to Rabaul; and next morning (Thursday) it returns from Rabaul direct to Port Moresby.

Every alternate Monday a Qantas Douglas flies from Lae to Rabaul, and continues on to Honiara (British Solomon Islands), via Torokina; remains overnight at Honiara; and returns to Lae the following day (Tuesday), via Torokina and Rabaul.

Sydney-Noumea-Suvo THE following is the time-table of the Qantas flying-boat:— Sydney dep. 9 p.m. alt. Tues.

Noumea arr. 7 a.m. alt. Wed.

Noumea dep. 8 a.m. alt. Wed.

Suva arr. 3 p.m. alt. Wed.

Suva dep. 6 a.m. alt. Frid.

Noumea arr. 11 a.m. alt. Prid.

Noumea dep. 12 noon alt. Frid.

Sydney arr. 8 p.m, alt. Frid.

Intending passengers may book through offices in Australia. Burns, Phllp (South Seas) Company, in Suva; and T, Johnston in Noumea.

Fares: To Noumea. £35 single; £63 return.

To Suva, £52/10/- single; £94/10/- return.

Noumea-Suva, £l7/10/- single; £3l/10/- return. 79 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

'Hi

Union Manufacturing

& EXPORT CO. LTD.

G.P.O. Box 1060, Wellington, NEW ZEALAND Cobles: "UMEC", Wellington We con arrange prompt shipment to residents of the following Island Territories: NEW CALEDONIA, NEW HEBRIDES, GILBERT ISLANDS,

Ellice Islands, British Solomon Islands And

New Guinea

We are also interested in buying Islands Produce of every description, especially COCO-BEANS, COFFEE BEANS and VANILLA BEANS, and can provide shipping.

A JE

Available For Immediate Shipment

SAWN TIMBER.

PLYWOODS.

WAIjLBOARDS.

PAINTS.

VARNISHES.

BUILDING PAPER.

ASBESTOS SIDINGS.

FURNITURE.

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MATTRESSES.

CANDLES.

WASHING SOAP.

TOILET SOAP.

COSMETICS.

TENNIS SHOES.

Leather Soles

AND HEELS.

LEATHER BELTING.

Leather Bends?

ETC.

Leather Boots

AND SHOES.

Seeds (Including

Blue & Maple

PEAS).

LIVESTOCK.

FROZEN MEATS.

TINNED MEATS.

TINNED FISH.

FROZEN FISH.

BUTTER.

CHEESE.

CUSTARD POWDER.

BAKING POWDER.

COFFEE ESSENCE.

POTATOES.

DRIED MILK, ETC.

TINNED VEGETABLES.

TINNED SOUPS.

ONIONS.

CORDIALS.

BEER.

RADIOS.

Buying Or Selling —We Can Help You

ri 80 DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

£ s. d. £ s. d _ . Single. Return.

Sydney-Seattle .. .. £285 15 0 £514 6 0 Sydney-’Prlsco .... 285 15 0 514 6 0 Sydney-Plji 54 19 0 98 17 0 Sydney-Honolulu ... 238 8 0 429 0 0 Auckland-Seattle ... 262 19 0 473 14 o Auckland-Honolulu .. 215 13 0 387 19 0 Auckland-Piji 38 17 0 69 Iff o Auckland-San. Fran. . 22 19 0 473 14 o Above: 90 HP RNR6 type with 2/1 or 3/1 reduction, and patent single lever control. ★ Stern gear made to order After sales service and spares facilities always available THORNYCROFT (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. 6-10 WATTLE ST., PYRMONT, N.S.W.

A DIRECT BRANCH OF THE MANUFACTURERS.

Marine Engines

Petrol Or Diesel

9 to 130 HP Reliable—efficient and economical for all types of vessels FULL PARTICULARS ON REQUEST. 5 m 65 HP RTR6 type, 2/1 reduction.

Sydney-Lord Howe ls.- Norfolk Is.

QANTAS, Sydney, run a Catalina once weekly from Sydney to Lord Howe Island. Fare, single, £l2. Return, £2l/12/-.

Qantas run a DC4 Skymaster alt. Thursdays (returning same day) from Sydney to Norfolk Island. Pare, £22 single; £39/12/- return. (For Norfolk Island, see also under NZ National Airways. For Lord Howe, see also under TOA.) Sydney-New Hebrides A QANTAS plane leaves Sydney for New Hebrides on alternate Tuesdays. It flies via Noumea and Port Vila to Santo, and returns.

CPA Sydney-Vancouver Service CANADIAN Pacific Airlines, Ltd., run a trans- Paciflc service between Sydney and Vancouver. For the present there will be one northbound and one southbound trip per fortnight. Stops are made at Nadi (Fiji), Canton Island, Honolulu and San Francisco. The northbound flight commences from Sydney every alternate Tuesday.

Four-engined, pressurised “Canadalr” aircraft are used; 36 passengers can be carried and a crew of six. Plying is done in daylight. Overnight accommodation is provided at hotels In Nadi and Honolulu, which Is, of course, complimentary.

Fares are (in Australian currency): Sydney- Vancouver, £289/6/- single, £520/15/- return; Fiji-Vancouver, £2lO/15/- single, £379/6/- return; Sydney-Fiji, £54/19/- single, £9B/17/return; Sydney-Honolulu, £238/8/-; Sydney- San Francisco, £285/15/-; Flji-Honolulu, £159/17/- single. £2BB/8/- return.

Bookings may be made at the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand, Limited, Sydney, or Melbourne; Union Steam Ship Co. of NZ, Ltd., Fiji; Canadian Pacific Airlines, Vancouver.

Sydney-Vancouver BCPA Service BRITISH Commonwealth Pacific Airlines, Ltd., operate a twice weekly trans-Paciflc service from Sydney to Vancouver, via Fiji, Canton Island, Honolulu and San Francisco; and a weekly service between Auckland and Vancouver, via the same ports.

Planes leave Sydney every Wednesday and Saturday, and Vancouver on the Southbound trip every Monday and Thursday. Every fourth trip from Sydney terminates at San Francisco instead of Vancouver, Planes Leave Auckland every Tuesday and arrive in Vancouver the following Wednesday, The Southbound trip to Auckland commences from Vancouver every alternate Friday. Every other Friday the service commences at San Francisco.

B.C.P.A. services make regular connections at both San Francisco and Vancouver for onward carriage, via either New York or Montreal to the United Kingdom or Europe. The through fare from Sydney to London Is £325 (Aust.).

Fares are (in Australian currency): Sydney- San Francisco, £285/15/- single and £514/6/return; Auckland-Vancouver, £266/11/- single; Auckland-Nadi (FIJI), £3B/17/-; Sydney-Nadl £54/19/-; Sydney-Vancouver, £289/6/- single’ £520/15/- return.

Douglas DC6 aircraft carrying 48 passengers (seated) or 37 passengers (in sleepers) and a crew of nine are used on the service.

Pan-American— Trans-Pacific Service DAN-AMERICAN World Airways clippers now A provide the following services in the South Pacific, using DC4 planes, equipped with Sleeperettes:— Planes leave Sydney Monday and Friday for San Francisco, via Tontouta (New Caledonia), Nadi (Fiji), Canton Island and Honolulu, The return flights are made from San Francisco every Monday, Thursday, via Honolulu. Canton Island, Nadi and Tontouta; and from Seattle every Monday, via Portland, Honolulu, Canton Island, Nadi and Tontouta.

Planes leave Auckland every Wednesday, and fly via Nadi, Canton Island and Honolulu to San Francisco. They leave San Francisco for Auckland every Saturday by the same route.

Fares, in Australian currency, are;— (Time-tables and fares subject to alteration without notice.) To convert to Fiji currency, reduce above each kilogram of excess.

Free baggage allowance Is 30 kilos per person.

Excess baggage at 1 per cent, of single fare for figures by about 10 per cent.

Trans-Tasman Service Sydney—Auckland npASMAN Empire Airways, Ltd., operatr. a ■A flying-boat service between Rose Bay, Sydney, and Mechanics Bay, Auckland. Large flying-boats, capable of carrying 30 passengers, are employed. The trip is comfortable, and takes approximately 8 hours.

Flying-boats now depart Sydney and Auckland dally.

This service will be supplemented by Charter Services operated by DC4 and DC6 aircraft.

Fares: £35 (A) (£2B NZ currency) single; £63 (A) (£5O/8/- NZ currency) return.

Bookings may be made at Tasman Empire Airways in Auckland and at Qantas Empire Airways. Carrington Street, Sydney.

New Caledonia- New Hebrides r pRAPAS (French Air Line) operates a service A between Noumea and the New Hebrides.

The plane leaves Noumea every Tuesday, and 81 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

U.S.L.

BATTERIES FOR

Motor Car And Truck

Sole Distributors For New Guinea , Papua

AND PACIFIC ISLANDS.

VENTURA TRADING COMPANY PTY. LTD.

26 Bridge Street, Sydney

Cables; “VENTURA,” Sydney. m n sa iM 6$ "r By Appointment Gin Distillers to H.M. King George VI Tanqueray, Gordon & Co. Lid.

Gordon's Stcrttds Suftetf iA flies direct to Vila and Santo, and returns. Return fare for the journey, Noumea-Santo, is approximately £42 Australian.

N. Coledonio-Tahiti TRAPAS (Societe Francais de Transports Aeriens du Pacific Sud-Noumea) runs a monthly service from New Caledonia to Tahiti.

Departing at 8 a.m. from Noumea, every third Thursday, the plane flies via Fiji (Nadi), Western Samoa (Faleolo), Cook Islands (Aitutaki) to Papeete, where it arrives at about 11.40 a.m. two days later. One evening is spent in Nadi and one night in Aitutaki. The plane returns by the same route in the following week.

Fare from Noumea to Papeete is 16,000 Pacific francs single, and 28,800 return. (160 Pacific francs equal £1 Australian.) While the plane is at Papeete it runs one round trip between Papeete and Bora Bora.

KLM Dutch New Guinea Service K.L.M. Royal Dutch Airlines run a regular weekly service from Batavia to Dutch New Guinea, via Sourabaya, Makassar and Ambon, on the following schedule; Batavia dep. Sundays at 10,30 a.m., Biak Island arr. Mondays at 4.40 p.m.; dep. Tuesdays at 6 a.m., Hollandia arr. Tuesdays at B.ID a.m. On the return journey the aircraft leaves Hollandia at 9 a.m. bn Tuesdays: Biak Island arr. 11.10 a.m.. dep. 12.15 p.m. on Tuesdays; and Batavia arr. 6 p.m. on Wednesdays.

The aircraft used are C. 475, a type of DC-3, and the single fares are Batavia-Biak Island £A80; Batavia-Hollandia £A9I/15/-; and Biak Island-Hollandia £AII/15/-. Return fares, double single.

TOA Services TRANS Oceanic Airways run the following Pacific services:— SYDNEY-LORD HOWE IS.: A regular fortnightly service with large four-engine flyingboats from Rose Bay. Pare: £ll single; £2l return. Free baggage allowance 50 lb. Excess baggage and freight rate Bd. p£r lb.

SYDNEY-NEW HEBRIDES: A regular monthly service with large four-engine flying-boats from Sydney, via Noumea (overnight stop), to Vila and Espiritu Santo. Fare: Sydney-Vlla, £45; Sydney-Santo, £5O; Noumea-Vila, £l2/10/-, Noumea-Santo, £lB/15/-. Freight: Sydney-Vila, 2/- per lb.; Sydney-Santo, 2/3.

SYDNEY-SOLOMON ISLANDS: A regular monthly service from Sydney, via New Caledonia and New Hebrides to Tulagi, Solomon Islands. This service is frequently extended to Lingatou, in the Russell Islands, and calls are sometimes made at Vanikoro, in the Santa Cruz Group. Fares: Sydney-Tulagi, £65. Free baggage allowance, 60 lb.; excess baggage and freight, 3/- per lb, France-Indo-China- N. Caledonia THE French national airways, Air France, runs a fortnightly service between Paris and New Caledonia, and return. Stops are made at Tunis. Cairo, Basra (forward journey) or Darhein (return journey), Karachi, Calcutta, Saigon, Batavia, Darwin, Brisbane.

DC4 Skymasters are used in the service.

Fare between Brisbane and Tontouta (New Caledonia) has been fixed at £A29/8/- (one way), and £AS2/18/- (return ticket). 82

December, 19 4 9 -Pacific Islands Monthly

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Marine—Hulls And Cargo

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Managing Agents; New Guinea Company, Limited.

Island Representative: G. D. A. Kent, Babaul Braneh.

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PHONES: LA 2436 LA 4033 LA 4603 CABLE ADDRESS:

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For all inquiries : EXPORT SOAP MFC. PTY. LIMITED. 14 ST. MARY STREET, CAMPERDOWN, SYDNEY, N.S.W.

Popua-NG Local Services MANDATED Airlines, Ltd., of Lae, New Guinea, and other private operators, run air services between Lae and the New Guinea mainland centres of Wau, Bulolo, Madang, Wewak, Altape, Mt. Hagen, Flnschhafen, Moresby. Kokoda—in fact anywhere in Papua or New Guinea where there is an air-strip. These planes carry passengers, mails and cargo on regular schedules or charter flights.

Prominent Suva Chinese

Merchant Dies

From Our Own Correspondent SUVA, Nov. 27.

MR. K. W. MARCH, a prominent Chinese businessman of Suva died at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital on November 23.

He was proprietor of the prosperous Toorak Bakery, and also president of the Fiji branch of the Kuomintang.

A staunch British-Chinese patriot, he subscribed to and worked for many Empire and Chinese causes during the Second World War and for many years was a liberal supporter of Chinese and other educational and charitable projects in Fiji.

In 1946 he visited China and was honoured by the Chiang Kai-Shek Government. He is survived by a large family, members of whom live at Suva, Hong Kong and elsewhere.

Sister Joy Walker arrived in Brisbane recently on a six months’ furlough after having completed three years’ missionary work at Gaulim Station, in the Bainings mountain area of New Britain. For the last six months she was the only white woman on the station. Sister Walker was one of the first women to go back to New Guinea after the end of the war. On her return to the station next year she hopes to find a new hospital built to replace the nine huts which have been doing duty up to the present.

New Set-Up For

W. SAMOA

Public Service

ONE of the last acts of the New Zealand Labour Government in its last session was to provide for the settingup of a public service in Western Samoa under the Samoa Amendment Bill.

The Bill was introduced bv Mr. Fraser in his capacity as Minister for Island Territories. It provides for control of the public service by a commissioner who, in matters affecting the policy of the NZ Government, as the administering authority under the trusteeship agreement, will be subject to Ministerial direction. There will be two assistant-public service commissioners, one of whom will be the Secretary of Island Territories and the other the nominee of the Council of State. Their term of appointment is three years.

Salaries and wages for employees of the public service are not to exceed £1,060 a year. With the approval of the Minister anyone permanently employed in the New Zealand Government Service may be appointed to any position in the Western Samoan public service, and both offices may be held concurrently.

An officer, to be called the Secretary to the Government, will, under the control of the High Comrrjissioner, be the principal administrative officer.

Mr. Fraser said the Bill had the approval of the Samoan Legislative Assembly and of the New Zealand Public Service Association so far as its members were affected. It had the support of the people of Samoa and the High Commissioner.

Six Yards of Rain!

Modest wagers are being made in Fiji on whether or not Suva’s rainfall total for 1949 will go far over the astonishing figure of six yards. The record fall for one year, 216 in., is now being approached and it is probable that 1949 will break not only the record for any calendar year but also that for any consecutive 12 months (231 in. between June, 1938, and May, 1939). 83 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

A. H. Bunting Limited

Samarai Papua

Presents the NEW

C.S.A. English Dual Freeze

■ : 'li SAMARAI AGENTS FOR: Vacuum Oil Co. Pty., Ltd.

South British Insurance Co.

National Mutual Life Association

More Than A Refrigerator—A Freezer As

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DIMENSIONS; Overall 42 in. wide. 21 in. deep. 36 in. high.

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ALSO AVAILABLE—IIO VOLT A.C.—SLIGHTLY EXTRA.

PRICE: £152/10 6. F. 0.8., SAMARAI.

Sole Agents In Papua/New Guinea For

Polarizers (U.K.), Ltd.— Polaroid* Sun Glasses.

C.S.A. Industries Eng.—Dual Freeze Refrigerators.

Webley & Scott, Ltd.-Shot Guns, Air Pistols, etc.

Le Bryan Group Products (Great Britain) Ltd.— Powermaster Electric Refrigerators.

“Getula.”— Nylon Monofilament Fish Lines. • Trade mark patented in U.S.A., Great Britain, and other countries

Regular Supplies Of Eastern Goods

A. H. Bunting Limited - Samarai

Wholesale & Retail Merchants Importers Planters

84

December. ]9 4 9 ~Pacific Islands Monthly

you tu/ t/ie BOVRIL means rich meaty flavour y.y Try Bovril with all your soups and casserole dishes. It makes them wonderfully tasty and, in addition, makes them nourishing, too. For Bovril is the concentrated goodness of beef. Always keep Bovril in the kitchen. Use it for tasty sandwiches, and drink it daily.

BOVRIL puts BEEF into you BE,4w Agents:

Burns, Philp

& CO., LTD.

WILLIAM J. HETTIG, PIONEER,

Dies In Tonga

MR. WILLIAM J. HETTIG, a wellknown resident of Tonga, died in Nukualofa on November 17, 1949.

He was born in Altona, Germany, 75 years ago, and was only six months old when his parents came out with him to Samoa. Prom Samoa the family went to Tahiti, and later to New Zealand. When in New Zealand, William, then a young man, joined the Auckland Volunteers, serving as a British soldier for Queen Victoria. The family then left New Zealand for Tonga, where they made their permanent home. Mr. Hettig’s parents died there and are buried in Telekava cemetery.

With the exception of a few trips to New Zealand, William Hettig lived in Tonga for the rest of his life—about 57 years.

He was in turn carpenter, housebuilder, boatbuilder, and storekeeper for several island firms including such old ones as Vines, Utting & Perston Ltd., the DH & PG.

Later he started in business on his own account and had a substantial establishment as an island merchant with a bakery business when the First World War broke it up in 1914 because of war restrictions on enemy aliens. These restrictions were hard in his case, as he had lived almost all his life in Tonga and had twice married into Tongan families and had a large, part-Tongan family himself. His first wife died in 1910. His second wife died in 1945. When Morris, Hedstrom, Ltd., started operations in Tonga it was Willian Hettig who they bought out and thus obtained a footing.

MR. HETTIG was known throughout the entire Tongan Group for his many fine qualities—his kindness and hospitality to all, his unfailing straightforwardness and honesty.

He is survived by a son (August) who lives in Nukualofa; two sons in America; a son and daughter in Auckland and a daughter in Samoa.

One Naughty Nineties’ Day

IN SUVA ONE of Suva’s best “Alcoholidays” must have been the day of the visit of Premier Dick Seddon of New Zealand. It happened in the “naughty nineties”—which was before my time, but the wife of one of Suva’s leading citizens told me the story.

The fun had waxed fast and furious all day, she said, and her husband came home very late, very merry and more fit for bed than for dinner. Before she could quite get him there, around the corner, with a lot of cheering, came Dick’s carriage, being hauled by enthusiasts who had taken out the horses.

Out on to the front lawn dashed “Hubby” in his shirt tails, waving to them to come-and-have-another. “Come in, come in,” she called, “You will catch cold.”

“Ah, so I might, so I might,” he said.

“Sonny! Bring my cap!”—“Mata-kikiobo-obo.”

Family ant! relatives at graveside. 85 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

Livraison IMMEDIATE LINOLEUM ECOSSAIS IMPORTE delivery immediate Lfe IMPORTED LINOLEUM Ideal for Island Conditions. Long Wearing.

Hessian Back. Cork based. Full range of colours, patterned or plain. Full rolls (30 yards by 6 ft.) only supplied. Order to-day through your Trading House for delivery by first boat.

Ideal pour les pays tropicaux. D’une durabilite sans pareille, a base de liege convert en toile de chanvre. Dessins ou unis. Rouleaux de 30 yards par 6 pieds de large. Commandez aujourd hui chez votre Agent pour livraison par premier bateau.

TAYSIDE Linoleum distributed by:

International Trading

PTY. LTD.

Halifax House, 26 O’Connell Street, Sydney.

Phone: BL 1548. Cables: “Mondial,’ Sydney. & a IMPORTERS EXPORTERS » t r ALL CLASSES OF MERCHANDISE PURCHASED FOR ISLAND CLIENTS THROUGHOUT THE SOUTH-WEST PACIFIC.

ISLAND PRODUCE SOLD ON AUSTRALIAN AND OVERSEAS MARKETS ON COMMISSION BASIS. 1.,1 J/IIA

Robert Gillespie Pivltd

BANKERS BANK OF NSW 0177C7 CU [1 NF V NSW ROBERG.LL COMPTOIR NATIONAL !/|U 111 I U I - UIUIHT PHONES BW 4782-B 1305

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PHONES BW 4782-B 1305 The Rev. Dr. G. Hemming, who was formerly on the staff of the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, Suva, Fiji, has returned to Fiji to take up private practice in partnership with Dr. W. Paley.

After leaving the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, Dr. Hemming went to the Solomon Islands where he was in charge of the Hospital of the Epiphany, on the Island of Malaita.

The Rev. Mo Pui Sam

Retires From Rabaul

THE Rev. Mo Pui Sam who left Hong Kong in 1940 to become pastor to the Chinese Methodist Community in Rabaul, NG, has now taken up work permanently with the Presbyterian Church in Sydney.

The Methodist Mission Review says of him:— “In China he had graduated not only from a Theological College but also from a Teachers’ Training College, and he came to us with fine credentials as a youth leader, Scout Master and ambulance worker. He had been in the work at Rabaul only 18 months at the time of the Japanese invasion. During the war years he was with the rest of the Rabaul Chinese community in special camps under supervision. Not only was he a source of much help to his people because of his medical knowledge, but also for the ministeries of comfort and encouragement which he brought to them.

“In 1948 he was granted furlough for 12 months to return to Hong Kong, but while waiting in Sydney he received a cablegram to say that his wife had died two months previously. He sought permission to remain in Australia and overtures were made to us from the Presbyterian Church to allow him to carry on their work in Sydney during part of his furlough. To this we willingly agreed.”

Fiji Bowlers For Empire

GAMES THE Fiji Bowling Association has selected the team which is to represent Fiji at the British Empire Games in Auckland next February.

The singles representative will be L.

F. Garnett of Suva. The pairs team will be J. E. Poulton and L. G. Browne, both of Ba.

The team for the rinks will be N. S.

Chalmers of Ba, H. B. Gibson of Labasa and P. Costello and Sir Hugh Ragg of Suva. , _ _ E. H. Mcllwain of Nauson and D. B.

Costello of Suva have been selected as emergencies.

DECEMBER, 1949-PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

George Kui

★ Specialist in ladies' and gentlemen s wear. Eastern fancy goods, embroidered silk wear, embroidered linen table sets, carved camphorwood trunks, cane furniture, curios, etc.

Large Shipment And Variety Arrives With

Every Hong Kong Boat

General Merchant & Importer

Always Prompt Attention and Service.

RABAUL 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 Itcb 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 Nlxoderm, 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 fnenda.

Praised by Doctors Dr. T. A. Ellis, well-known physician of Toronto, Canada, recently stated; "Skin disorders caused by parasites, as many are, ylel* to Nixoderm. These parasites are Invisible to the naked eye. They eat away the skin, forming ugly eruptions. Ordinary ointments or remedies fall 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 v- & 4/- For Skin Sores, Pimples and Itch.

Big Dredge Sinks

Unfortunate Accident In New Guinea DISASTER overtook one of Bulolo Gold Dredging Ltd’s, two deep-digging dredges, on the Bulolo flats, New Guinea, on November 22.

A sudden, unexpected, double cave-in of the digging face created a huge wave in the pond in which the dredge floats.

This surge lifted the huge machine sharply, and threw it on its side. The crew miraculously escaped, as the dredge filled with water, and capsized, and sank onto the bed of the pond.

The possibility of salvaging the dredge is considered good, and extensive investigations are being made.

The dredge is insured for 1,200,000 US dollars; but the loss of revenue, just when the whole installation was in first-class working order, is a serious matter.

The original Bulolo dredges were designed for, and commenced digging on, a comparatively shallow bottom. Then, in the early ’thirties, it was discovered that that was a false bottom—there was a much richer stratum some 30 or 40 feet further down. Two later dredges therefore were constructed to deal with the deep bottom. The discovery extended the life of the BGD enterprise and boosted the value of BGD shares.

Wedding In W. Samoa

Old-Timers Retire From

New Guinea

MR. E. J. (“Slogger”) Slee, well-known in New Guinea, where he spent some 20 years as a Treasury official, has bought a house at Holland Park, Brisbane. Young “Slogger” is flyweight boxing champion of his school, and old “Slogger” is justly proud. The latter has a commercial job, and he says: “After a month, my boss decided I was worth more than the basic wage.” For relaxation, he has joihed a fishing club, and does gardening.

This fine upstanding man loved by all who knew him was one of the straightest “shooters” the Administration ever had.

It is said that when a post-war job occurred calling for a man of ability and of irreproachable character —one who could be trusted to the last—the Administration looked around in vain until suddenly it dawned on them that there was only one. “Slogger” got the job!

Mr. W. B. Battis (call me “Bill”), is another “old-timer” who is giving away the Territory. A “digger” of Gallipoli—he also served in ANGAU, but doesn’t boast about it!—Bill’s last job was PCB manager at Kavieng, where he was popular, because of his cheerful manner and square dealing. Perhaps the £6,000 he recently won in a lottery may be burning a hole in his pocket. He may buy a pub.- JA.

The Rev. David Moni, of the Tongan Methodist Church, who has been at King’s College, Brisbane, left by air for Tonga in November.

Mr. and Mrs. Riley, leaving the Catholic Church, Apia, Western Samoa, after their wedding. The wedding reception was arranged in the Tivoli Theatre, Apia, by the brides’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Parsons.

Lower picture shows one of the wedding guests, smiling High Chief Malietoa Tanumafili.

Photos by Superflash Studio. 87 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY-D E C E M B E R , 1949

CHEIRON I The answer to the Asthmatic’s Prayer—the Asthmatic’s “Bis The Sire of Pharmacy. ultra modern magic—dramatically effective against expanded capillaries of the mucous membrane which occasion mm Simplicity itself.

ASTHMAS, BRONCHITIS, HAY FEVER, ANTRUM, ETC. (actually, testimonials have been received on its efficacy in the above, and also Malaria, Sinus, Croup, Whooping Cough, War Gas, Pneumonia, and Pleurisy)—that is, most complaints of the respiratory tract that it can reach. Not a "cure-all"—it simply reduces the inflamed capillaries that exist in those ills. • Relieves in 5 seconds (not. 5 years) because it “Touches the Spot.” • Absolutely harmless—same spray—same liquid—babies and adults. •No dieting—eat anything—especially what you are not supposed to. • Sleep on anything—live anywhere—sea, plain, valley or mountain air. • Causeduration—family history, etc.—immaterial. • Takes the strain off the heart—by easing the breathing • May be used in conjunction with your doctor’s allergy injection or any other medicine you like.

Contains .5 per cent. Adrenalin and guaranteed free from Atropine, Ephedrine, Cocaine, Morphine, Pituitary, Papaverine or any other Opium drug—so is absolutely harmless.

Look! Both hands!!

ITALIAN—La cura per inalazione “Aspaxadrene” e adesso adoperata in tutto il mondo.

SPANISH.—EI trato respiratorio—“Aspaxadrene” —es empleado ahora de todos los pueblos del mundo.

CHINESE: *..£ >tA. < % if *J. f’J H FRENCH.—L’aspiratoire “Aspaxadrene” se trouve maintenant partout.

GERMAN.— Die Behandlung durch Einatmung von “Aspaxadrene” wird jetzt in der ganzen.

YIDDISH.— anim p-n«D{>KßDt<„ iin

Urdu Or Hindu

aspaxadreitc treatment; ( hay fever ) cat Testimonials have noiv been received from all over the world, excepting Russia and Tibet; there is a monthly issue (full names and addresses) — it’s yours “for the asking.”

So buy to-day—not bye 'n bye Complete outfit, 28/6 (Australian)—postage 1/6 Refill Aspaxadrene, 12/6 (Australian) —postage free.

Sole Discoverer, Proprietor and Dispenser, A. H. CRUNDALL, Qualified Chemist BOX 58, PRAHRAN, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA.

Sold All Over The World

Man with a Theory 88 DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

Producing Uniform Good Results Since 1868

Always Ask For It

The new UDDY^OSIl 4 ALL WORLD 6 RECEIVER Of special interest to you in that it has: — ■ 6 volt Accumulator Operation ■ Low Current Consumption ■ Outstanding Performance and Reliability A wealth of practical experience in the design of shortwave receivers for tropical markets has been embodied in the Eddystone “All World Six” Receiver. It is designed to provide the remote “out-station” listener with a specialist built receiver capable of first rate performance and possessing the important feature of low battery consumption. Selectivity, sensitivity, quality of reproduction and performance on all wave bands, including the highest frequencies, will satisfy the most critical. Workmanship and quality of materials used are of the finest to ensure the highest possible degree of reliability.

The wave range of the “All World Six” Receiver is continuous from 30.6 Mc/s to 484 Kc/s (9.8 to 620 metres). The current consumption is only 2.5 amperes from a 6 volt accumulator and no H.T. battery is required. This receiver is eminently suitable for those who, lacking electric supply mains, want performance equivalent to a mains-operated receiver, allied to the utmost economy in current consumption.

Price: £37-10-0 ex works You are invited to write for descriptive literature and the address of your nearest Distributor to the sole manufacturers.

STRATTON & CO. LTD.

EDDYSTONE WORKS, ALVECHURCH ROAD, WEST HEATH, BIRMINGHAM 31, ENGLAND Cables: STRATNOID, BIRMINGHAM

The Month In Moresby

From Our Own Correspondent PORT MORESBY, Dec. 4.

TEN building blocks in Lawes Road will be leased by public tender shortly.

Each allotment will be about a quarter of an acre and much of the land will be fairly steep. Now that Lawes Road runs through to Konedobu, the area has become more desirable for residential purposes. Two new roads are being constructed at the four-mile to open up new land but no one knows when the land will be made available. Dozens of people are interested. * LOCAL manager of the British New Guinea Trading Company, Mr. J. Buston, says that the rear section of the new store will be open for wholesale business within four months. It may be another year before the whole store is finished and operating. The building when completed will have a basement and two storeys, with the offices on the top floor. . * MR. TOM OLSSON hopes to be selling locally-grown fruit and vegetables at his milk bar and cafe within a few months. He has more than ten acres planted at the 17-mile and intends to run poultry there as well. Mr. John Simons, formerly of the Agriculture Department, is working the property under a share-farming agreement. * PORT MORESBY branch of the RSL and Samarai sub-branch are providing six bursaries of £5O each for local ex-Servicemen’s children to help them receive secondary education in Australia. Moresby RSL is providing five of the bursaries. The scheme starts with the re-opening of schools early in the new year. It should be understood that the scheme is not confined to the children of RSL members; it includes the children of all ex-Servicemen in Papua. Moresby RSL has about 30 members who would take advantage of the War Service Homes Act if it were extended to the Territory.

This fact will be sent to Canberra In support of the branch’s request that the Act be extended to include local ex-Servicemen. * Steamships recreation club, formed recently, has started off ambitiously by planning to take tennis and basketball teams to Lae at Christmas.

Local sporting bodies should try to follow its example. Steamships’ teams, as they stand at present, are as follows: Cricket: E. A. Thompson (capt.), R. Eisemann (vice-captain), J. Ryan, W. Johns, J.

Worthington, L. Gesch, R. Law, A. 89 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

AUNT MARYS

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Cabinet 19 contains 4 Double Holes with a capacity for 40 gallons of ice cream; Ice Block Maker and Ice Cream Making Head (capacity 15 gallons per hour).

All cabinets are self-contained and complete with refrigerator unit and electric motors. Every “Kasper’’

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Cabinets available with storage capacity from 20 to c 100 gallons. Custom built to your specifications. (When ordering, please specify type of power avail - able.)

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77 RAILWAY PARADE, ERSKINEVILLE, N.S.W.

AUSTRALIA.

Phone: LA 1326.

Browne, C. J. Wood, A. Jobling, W. Flick, J. Codings, J. Baldwin, J. McNamara, V.

Boles and K. Byrne. Basketball; Miss M Drewe (captain'), Mrs. B. Maple (vicecaptain), Mrs. B. Hawks, Mrs. M. Eisemann, Mrs. A. Boles, Miss P. Geddes, Miss D. Holt. Miss D. Baldwin and Miss J.

Hart. * ROUNA guesthouse has quickly become popular under its new management.

There is a big demand for morning and afternoon teas and, lately, every second newly-married couple has gone there for their honeymoon More recreational facilities are all that is needed. The proprietors would be wise to go ahead with their plan to build a tennis court. * LOCAL baseballers are making a habit of beating the crews of Pioneer ships which bring equipment here from America for APC. A Moresby team defeated a Pioneer Star team some months ago and on November 26 a local side beat a team from the Pioneer Isle by 13 to 12, with an innings to spare.

Cricket is making a slow start this season.

There have been no competition games so far, as the committee is having trouble getting enough teams. Sailing is the only sport flourishing here at present but the season ends in a couple of weeks. * PATROL Officer B. R. Heagney was found not guilty in the Supreme Court at Daru on a manslaughter charge arising from the death of a male native. Judge Gore fined Heagney £5 for assault. The native concerned died of a ruptured spleen and it was alleged that a few days before Heagney had hit him with a stick. * QANTAS’ weekly Dragon services to Popendetta will be of benefit to the Kokoda-Buna Tourist Company, which is building a tourist hotel at Popendetta. The hotel should have been almost ready now but because of lack of materials it is not expected to be finished before March or April. More than 100 inquiries about accommodation have been received, many of them from Australia. * NOVEMBER was a popular month for weddings in Moresby. On the 9th, Joy Mowby, formerly of the Government Secretary’s Department, married Mr. Ken Kitchen, of APC, at the LMS mission. Miss Jane Daly attended the bride and Mr. Ted Olding was best man.

The couple did the round trip to New Guinea on the Bulolo—a popular type of honeymoon—and are now waiting to go to Malalaua. On the 12th, Miss Zeta Flanagan, of Auckland, New Zealand, married Mr. Alf. Bunting, of OTC, also from Auckland, at the Catholic Church.

Miss Flanagan arrived on the November Bulolo. Miss Dorothy Willett was brides- 90

December. ,1949 Pacific Islands Monthly*

Are Your Reouirehents

HERE? 40-ft. TRADE BOATS Especially designed and built for Island conditions. Fully equipped and delivered to your destination.

B.T.H. PROJECTORS 16 m.m. Sound-Film Projectors embodying features unique in current British and American sound film projectors. Independent power supply equipment available if desired. Films on loan or purchase basis can be supplied by sea or air.

Robingraft Pressure Jets

A Kerosene Pressure Jet Thermal Unit—quick, clean and portable—using only lighting kerosene, with many uses for dairies, hospitals, homes, guest houses, hotels, shops, etc.

Rambler Auto Bike

A British-made 9B c.c. lightweight motor cycle with petrol consumption up to 150 m.p.g. Automatic lubrication, immensely strong. Tyre size 26 in, by 2 in. Tyres and replacement parts available.

San Miguel Pale Pilsener

A delightful high quality bottled beer brewed in Hong Kong and famous throughout the East. Available in 100-lot cases—4 dozen to the case.

Swiftshot Camera

An attractive box-type camera, very low in cost and beautifully constructed.

Available in a wide range of colours.

Note :— Our representative is at present visiting U.K. and the Continent and is able to carry out special commissions. Please advise us.

WILLREED AGENCIES PTV. LTD. 145 a George St., Circular Quay, Sydney. Cables: “REEDAGE.”

Gabriel Achun

Importer and Wholesale Merchant Specialises in: BEERS BICYCLES

Aerated Water Manufacturing

Cotton Piecegoods For Native Trade

Agent For “Standard” And “Triumph” Cars

Malaguna Road RABAUL Territory of New Guinea Proprietor: RABAUL CORDIAL FACTORY.

Telegraphic Address: “GABRIEL ACHUN,” RABAUL. maid and Mr. Stan Jory best man. The reception was at the Papua Hotel and the couple spent a ten-day honeymoon at Rouna Falls. Miss Ruth Malkin, who arrived here from England in July, 1947, married Mr. Mervyn Mogridge, of Burns Philp, at the Ela Protestant Church on the 19th. The bride’s sister, Mrs. Joyce Sutherland-Ross, was matron-of-honour and Mr. Vince Sanders was best man. Reception was at the Papua Hotel. Mr. and Mrs. Mogridge spent a week at Rouna Falls. A cousin of the bridegioom, the Rev. Les Allen, who was in Moresby for the LMS conference, performed the marriage ceremony. Also on November 19, Miss Betty Bayliss and Mr. Carl Mayoh were married at the Catholic Church, Moresby. Mrs. Shirley Gilmore was matron-of-honour and Mr. Kevin O’Mara was best man. The reception was held at the women’s hostel, Paga Hill. Mr. and Mrs. Mayoh also chose Rouna for their honeymoon. * A CONFERENCE of senior education officers will be held at Sogeri in January. Twenty-five officers are expected to attend the conference, which will be the first of its kind. * AMONG those who left Moresby on the November south-bound Bulolo were Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Barrett, Dr. M.

Granger, Mrs. D. Julian, Mr. and Mrs. W.

L. Leydin, Mr. and Mrs. P. Bosgard, Miss E. Baker, Mr. and Mrs. J, Butler, Mr. and Mrs. W. Albert, Mr. J, Lee, Mr. and Mrs.

W. Edmondson, Mrs. W. Charlesworth, Mr. and Mrs. R. Wren, Mr. and Mrs. L, Armit, Mr. L. Sims, Mr. M. Enfante, Mr. and Mrs. O. J. Leighton, Mrs. S. Stubbs, Mr. and Mrs. F. Vidgen, Mrs. E. Chester, Mr. and Mrs. M. Lang, Mr. L. Drewe and Mrs.

S. Crowley. ♦ MR. ALLAN CHAMPION, acting DO at Higaturu, arrived in Moresby a few days ago and entered the European Hospital. * Murray heights tennis club is trying to arrange a teams competition which, if it comes to anything, should boost local interest in tennis.

Moresby Tennis Club, which controls the three main courts in town, is reported t« be apathetic about the idea. This club collects fairly high fees, yet its courts, nets and other equipment are in a bad state. * A RECENT accident on the Rouna Road in which Mr. Arthur Foley, of Subitana plantation, suffered a fractured skull, has reminded residents that this road is dangerous. The edge of the road collapsed under the weight of Mr. Foley’s truck, which fell many feet. To widen the road in dangerous spots would be expensive but any expenditure is justified if it saves lives. Upper Port Road also has an extremely dangerous spot which should be improved immediately. Vehicles have about two feet to spare, with a fatal drop on one side.

MISS THEA WATSON, of the Directorate of Shipping, Moresby, recently returned to her home in Sydney. Miss Connie Dinsmore flew to Sydney on November 27 on two months’ sick leave. Mr. M. J. McKnoulty, of the Forestry Department, Moresby, went to 91 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

X=RAY and Electro - Medical Equipment is supplied and serviced from 20 centres throughout Australia and New 'Zealand .

Located at each centre are fully trained Service Technicians who are at your call for routine maintenance service and operative advice .

The efficiency of Wat Vic X-ray and Electro-Medical Equipment is amply demonstrated by the satisfactory performance of the many Wat Vic installations now operating throughout New Guinea, Papua and the Pacific Islands . Periodical visits are made to these centres by our Service Technicians.

We also supply SCIENTIFIC and SURGICAL APPARATUS of a precision and finish you’ll appreciate .

Wats omVictor. ]l n fvh a nr e a>

Watson House, Bligh Street, Sydney

TOWNSVILLE BRISBANE NEWCASTLE, WAGGA, ORANGE, BALLARAT, MELBOURNE, LAUNCESTON, HOBART, TOWNSVILLE, BRISBANE. NtWC AUCKLAND, CHRISTCHURCH, DUNEDIN 92

December, 19 4 9 -Pacific Islands Monthly

Francis Hoove

4 Castlereagh Street, Sydney Cables: Petwer, G.P.0., Box 4623.

Island Traders

All classes of merchandise supplied. Careful attention given to big and small orders.

McILRATH’S for groceries - and PROVISIONS 202 Pitt St., Sydney, EVERY ORDER—large or small, has the same careful attention as if you purchased in person.

FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE—our Service Department will be pleased to purchase all your general household requirements and include them with your grocery order thereby saving extra freight and charges.

TO ENSURE PERISHABLE GOODS ARRIVING AT DESTINATION IN GOOD CONDITION, they are supplied in tins wherever necessary.

HIGHLY PERISHABLE GOODS—such as Butter, Cheese, etc., are shipped in the steamer’s refrigerator.

Bacon, Eggs, Fruit and Fresh Vegetables, Stocks of Essential Foods are Available, including Cakes (in tins), Plum Puddings, Nuts, Wines, hpints, Liqueurs, Cider, Cordials and Pure Fruit Juices, together with Allsopp’s English Lager ub oz. bottles) in 4 doz. case lots. Price 25/-, per doz. All prices F. 0.8., Sydney.

ALL SHIPMENTS, EXCLUDING DECK CARGO, ARE INSURED AGAINST PILLAGE, THEFT

And Non-Delivery

Send us a trial order, or if you desire quotations first, let us have a list of your requirements, and we will airmail you a pro forma invoice showing the cost of such goods.

SPECIAL GIFT HAMPERS for friends in GREAT BRITAIN are available for immediate despatch, priced from 14/- to 35/9 each. Delivery at destination in Good Condition Guaranteed.

Prices include packing, postage and insurance to the United Kingdom.

Write For Descriptive Leaflet

MrTf DTV ITb 202 pitt st., Sydney, Australia in J r 1 I, LI I/, Cable Address; "ROTUNDA,” SYDNEY Townsville by Qantas on December 2 on leave. ♦ THE Territory’s medical service will expand considerably next year when between 30 and 40 migrant doctors arrive to take up appointments with the Health Department. Selected by Dr.

Gunther while he was in Australia on leave recently, the doctors include Hungarians, Czechs, Poles, Austrians, Germans and Balts. There will probably be two or three women among them. Although many have high qualifications, the migrants can’t obtain registration in Australia. The offer of employment in Papua-New Guinea as registered doctors attracted more than 60 applicants for the 40 positions available. Native medical work will occupy most of the new doctors.

Taking Movies To Dreketi

THE ways of the film distributer in the Pacific Islands are many and varied.

Because a new programme had not arrived at Dreketi Plantations, Vanua Levu, Fiji, recently, Mr. T. F. French, of Suva, flew in a new programme in his Taylorcraft and landed on a previously untried strip.

Mr. French is of the opinion that it was his best effort “since New Guinea” — when he had successfully landed the plane he found that the landing strip was only 63 paces long and a great deal more of the surrounding jungle had to be cleared before he could attempt to get the small plane into the air again.

However, the enforced wait allowed him to see the programme he had brought in, in a very unusual theatre which was reached by a fiveminute jeep ride, 20 minutes in a launch up-river and ten minutes walk along a jungle path. There was a full moon, a cool, clear night and the silent river flowing between coconut trees.

The Dreketi theatre consists of a projection box on top of a hill throwing to a screen at the bottom of the hill 70 feet away. Seats take the form of wooden benches set into steps cut into the slope of the hill. There is no need for air-conditioning—the whole thing is in the open air.

Dreketi plantations are owned by the brothers H. A. and P. J. Bull. The movie equipment was installed by Miss N. Anthony.

Mr. E. H. Bryan, Jr., Bishop Museum associate in geography, returned recently to Honolulu from Noumea, New Caledonia, after four months with the South Pacific Commission, for which he planned and organised the research library. He continues his association with SPC in Honolulu where he is locating and providing such bibliographical information and other items as the SPC desires.

Mr. French Refuelling at Dreketi. 93 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

Scott’s “Renown” Brand Rope, Cordage and Binder Twine of Every Description Cable Address: Ropeyard Sydney. 222 1 s

Manufactured At

MASCOT, N.S.W.

J. SCOTT PTY. LTD.

Head Office and Store 163 CLARENCE STREET, SYDNEY, N.S.W.

The New Maxply Tennis Racket.

I The New Heavy Duty Tennis Ball.

Popular Choice Dunlop is the popular choice of the champion as well os the man who plays merely "for the fun of it".

Wherever you rate on the sports ladder, you'll get more enjoyment from your game when you use Dunlop tennis rackets, tennis balls, golf balls and sports shoes.

Dunlop is first by popular choice.

DUNLOP

For All Sporting Equipment

"Badminton" Sport Shoes. f/j y a, v im f) S } j $ <&: * \ V. ti\ 1 > • ,yW 63' f. # ( iti rn \ * * * * * ? f m Dunlop Bowls DO 9257 For health reasons. Sir Maynard Hedstrom is not seeking re-election to the Board of Directors of Emperor Mines Ltd., and Loloma (Fiji) Gold Mines, NL. The other directors of the two companies are Messrs. E. G. Theodore, P. F. Cody, Wallace H. Smith, John Wren, T. R. Victor, and E. G. Banks.

Popular Do And Wife

Leave Kavieng

From a Special Correspondent MR. and Mrs. W. J. Read went south on leave by the November (Malaita, after a long spell in New Ireland, where Mr. Read has been District Officer.

The popular couple will tour New Zealand.

As a Navy Lieutenant during the war our District Officer was one of the most famous of Commander Eric Feldt’s Coastwatchers. It was Read and Lieutenant Paul Mason who watched Jap planes fly over their hide-outs in Bougainville and by tele-radio were able to advise the US defenders of Guadalcanal long before they arrived, that “Japs were headed south.”

The US Airforce and Marines had thus ample time to prepare for the raiders and this factor was largely responsible for their being able to hold out in the Solomons in the stickiest days of the war.

Farewell social and sporting functions were held to celebrate the Reads’ de- , parture. They were guests of honour at ’ an informal evening organised by the New Ireland District Sports Association held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. lan F.

G. Downs, Kavieng, on October 22. All Kavieng turned up, and planters travelled for miles by vehicle and jeep to attend the happy gathering. Mrs. Read had been the enthusiastic and energetic honorary secretary of NIDSA since its post-war rejuvenation. A tennis tournament was held over the week-end. The prizes were donated by Mrs. Read, who played a strenuous game herself and very nearly succeeded in winning the prize. Best individual player was Mr. D. C. West, and outstanding among the women players was Mrs. J. H. L. McGuigan.

Chinese residents, who outnumber the Europeans at Kavieng, and form an important, indispensable and prosperous section of the community, farewelled the Reads with a special Chinese dinner held at the Kuomintang (Chinese Nationalist Party) Club House on October 23. The hall was decorated for the occasion and everyone juggled with chop sticks and thoroughly enjoyed the lavish repast. 94

December, 19 4 9 -Pacific Islands Monthly

timt a ¥ m Vhe Executor - Trustee Attorney

Find Out Your

Obligations First

Before you agree to act as an executor or trustee, you should be quite clear regarding the extent of your obligations. The same precaution will prevent you from appointing an unsuitable executor. All essential facts regarding the administration of estates are given in the new edition of "Hands That Never Leave The Wheel”. This informative booklet explains why the fulltime services of the capable directors and experienced officers of Burns Philp Trust Company Limited should be at your disposal.

A complimentary copy of this 20-page booklet can be obtained from any branch of Burns Philp (South Sea) Company , Burns Philp (New Guinea) Limited, or direct from the head office of this Company, DIRECTORS: James Burns Joseph Mitchell P. T, W. Black Eric Priestley Lee MANAGER: I. S. Parker SECRETARY: E. R. Overton. F.F.I.A.

Bums Philp Trust

Company Limited

Constituted by Special Act of the N.S.W. Parliament Head Office: 7 BRIDGE STREET, SYDNEY TELEPHONE: BU 5901 BOX 543, G.P.0., SYDNEY BP2O-49

New Ireland Notes

KAVIENG Dec. 1 KAVIENG Club (1949) has purchased the pre-war site of the Bank of NSW and the ground is being cleared for the new building. Who knows, we may be sitting around the “Round Table” within a few months! Tom Render is the energetic secretary, and as it took him an hour to read all the correspondence etc., at the last annual meeting, it looks as though he’s done a mighty big job.

No wonder Errol Flynn admired a Kavieng “meri”—they can wear a semitransparent “Mother Hubbard” with the same grace and sex-appeal as the Hanuabadan sways her grass skirt. Meet ’em anywhere on a bush track in New Guinea and the meris scurry off into the scrub in sheer fright. But not the New Ireland belles; they say “Good day, Master” as they pass you on the road and give a suitable smile.

Most of the war damage money paid to natives here found its way into the coffers of a dozen Chinese trade stores.

Some of these Chinese are wealthy; but most of them are generous.

Many natives, too, are economically independent. They have their own coconut groves and small sun-driers, and it takes little effort to produce a bag of copra, which they can sell for £3. Several have trucks of their own and many now have copra-buying licences.

I’ve always said that New Guinea's destiny is tied up with “black ivory” from Aitape or the Sepik, or the immigration of a few thousand coolies from the East.

It looks as though industry would be at a standstill throughout the Territory were it not for the good old Aitapes and Sepiks helping us out of our dilemma.

These fine, upstanding lads are slashing boilers, give little trouble, and don’t run to the “kiap” with every trivial complaint. Yes, we have to thank these ‘boys” very much for our post-war rehabilitation.

Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Schultze and their ;wo charming little daughters, Dorothea md Carol, are now comfortably settled n at “Lebrechtshof,” where many a lappy party took place before and since ;he war.

Gone South: The Misses Stanfield, Mr. •V. J. (Bill) Grose.

“Beeps” have been going to start here or a long time. Their presence, together vith a big freezer, would be greatly appreciated, as fresh meat flown in from vabaul spasmodically is an expensive tern. Probably the big firm will establish tself at Kavieng once the wharf has >een re-built. I hear a start is being nade to rebuild the wharf very soon. It ui 1 welcom ?> for then we shall be ible to get ships direct from overseas, nus considerably reducing the cost of ivmg which is exceptionally high here, t will also save double-handling of copra.

The new native hospital, built for the department of Public Health by a firm t Chinese contractors, vies with anynmg the Administration had in New jumea before the war. The newlyecupied District Office is also a ommendable permanent structure; while he European and Asiatic Hospitals, mien should be completed within a few /eeks, will also be worthy and wellleeded acquisitions to the District. The •regress and prosperity of the District of rreland is due not only to the “guts” i the pre-war residents who came back nd started off scratch, but also to a wise nd long-sighted policy pursued by administration officers of vision and understanding. 95 ACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

CRAMMOND

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HO 8 QUEEN STREET , 96 DECEMBER, 1949-PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

€ □ c r TMasse BATTERIES “are tigers for work 99 It is impossible to build a better battery than the Masse. Every part of a Masse Battery is of one hundred per cent, quality . . . every stage of its manufacture is carried out in the Masse factory. When you recommend a Masse Battery to your customer, you can do so, with the utmost confidence that it will give him more starts and longer service.

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Rabaul And Lae

Rabaul —Weddings and Travellers From Our Own Correspondent RABAUL, Dec. 1.

TOP LEFT; The wedding of Miss Florence May Fitzgibbon, youngest daughter of Mrs. Fitzgibbon and the late Mr. Fitzgibbon, of Taralga, NSW, and Mr.

Bertram Louis (Bill) Cohen, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Cohen, of North Caulfield, Melbourne, took place at the Sacred Heart Church, Rabaul, on November 12. Mrs.

Martin Munro, of Rabaul, was Matron-ofhonour and the bride was given away by Mr. Martin Munro. The best man was Mr. John Keenan of Rabaul. The choir of the Chinese Catholic School (Mr. Phil Hancock, soloist) assisted. Miss Fitzgibbon was a member of the staff of New Guinea Co., Rabaul, and Mr. Cohen is manager of Kapkap Plantation, in the Kokopo district. Guests at the wedding breakfast, at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Munro, included Mr. and Mrs. Perriman, Mr. Michel, Mr. and Mrs. Dick Arrowsmith. “Bill” Cohen, son of a well-known Victorian cricketer, is a very active member of the Kokopo Cricket Club.

TOP CENTRE: Passing through Rabaul recently on board the Bulolo were Mr. and Mrs. Simpson, of Bulolo Gold Dredging Co. Mr. Simpson was for some years manager of BGD. but resigned recently, and Mr. and Mrs. Simpson are en route to America. They will be missed from both Bulolo and Lae. Many gay farewell parties were given in their honour prior to their departure. Mr. Berkstrand is BGD’s new Field Manager, and we wish him all success in his new anpointment.

TOP RIGHT: Mrs. Valentine, wellknown resident of Rabaul, left for Sydney, en route to Britain.

LOWER LEFT; A marriage was cele- Photos by C. H. Meen. 97 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER. 1949

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BONOX — pre-digested beef in its tastiest and most assimilable form. A valuable food for its high content of niacin (the anti-pellagric factor), and a powerful digestive stimulant. Dissolve in hot water for an appetising drink, or use as a spread or a flavouring for cooked dishes. Eat it and drink it for a lift! brated on November 19 at the nicturesque little Methodist Church at Rabaul. The bride was Miss S. Grey; the bridegroom Rev W Matron of Honour? Mrs.

G Young; and best-man, Rev. G. Young. , , , LOWER CENTRE: The well-known and highly-esteemed Mr. “Bert” Gaskin, partowner of Rabaul’s Cosmopolitan Hotel, left for South recently. He intends leaving shortly on a trip to England.

LOWER RIGHT; Mrs. J. R. Keenan, wife of Rabaul’s ADO, departed for Australia, per Bulolo, where she will join her parents and leave on a tour of England in January. They do not expect to be back in the Territory until November, 1950. Whilst on the Continent. Mrs.

Keenan and her parents will visit her sister, who is living in Holland. Mrs.

Keenan will be missed from Rabaul by all who knew her as a charming, capable and clever girl, who always gave a helping hand and a word of cheer when needed. Prior to her departure she was acting-secretary for the New Britain Womens’ Club and also the correspondent for 9PA and PIM. We all wish her a happy trip and safe return.

Cutter Lost on Reef in Fiji SUVA, Dec. 1.

THE auxiliary cutter, Island Queen Lailai, owned by Burns, Philp (South Sea) Co. Ltd., Levuka, sank within 15 minutes of striking the Horseshoe Reef, Nairai (80 miles north-east of Suva) early on November 23. Eleven members of the crew and two passengers got clear in the ship’s boat.

At midnight, the captain judged he was near Koro light, but heavy rain was falling. At 2.30 a.m., they found they were almost upon Horseshoe Reef. Unable to turn in time, the Island Queen Lailai struck with both sails up and the engine running. , There was a heavy sea and the lifeboat was nartly filled with water when the 13 people were picked up by Mr. Jack Morris, in his cutter, Fetumoana, at 4.30 a.m.

The Island Queen Lailai. whose masts and after-housing can be seen below water, was carrying 400 tons of copra, with s:me timber and empty oil-drums. Gilbertese divers have gone to investigate.

The 42 ft. motor ketch, Waihape, in charge of owner-skipper Johnny Wray, arrived in Auckland on November 16, after a five-months’ cruise in the Tonga archipelago. Johnny Wray is an Auckland yachtsman who has sailed his own little ships oVer thousands of miles of the South Pacific. He built the Waihape himself m 1948, and went off to the Islands in her last June, alone. He was nearly lost in a severe gale off the Kermadecs, but escaped with some damage and loss of gear.

He brought back with him a young Tongan, Charles Hansen, who helped him to work the ketch. 98 DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLIi

Lighting Plants

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New Cabaret-Restaurant In Rahaul From Our Own Correspondent RABAUL, Dec. 1.

A MUCH needed fillip to the black tie industry, insofar as it applies to Rabaul, was given when the restaurant and night-club, “The Island Paradise” was opened in November at the earthquake-conscious town that is still the largest in New Guinea.

“The Island Paradise” venture is the idea of courageous Mrs, Iris Schmidt, who has lived in Rabaul for many years. Many pre-war residents will remember “Artie”

Schmidt, her late husband, who was lost during the Japanese occupation. “Artie” was a valued member of the Education Department, and well-known as an athlete. Like many other Territory women who lost their husbands in the war Mrs.

Schmidt returned to the remains of what was once the beautiful town of Rabaul.

It takes a great deal of courage to start a business in New Guinea to-day. When that business is absolutely novel and new ground has to be broken, then one must be brave indeed.

With the help of Gordon Ehrett. Iris set about looking for materials that were practically non-existent at Rabaul. Her energy and initiative brought results. In the amazingly short time of six months the building of “Island Paradise” was complete—even to the last ash-tray on the last beflowered table.

The sides of the building are transparent—built of some new material that allows the light through—and the murals are better than the writer has seen, even in the much-vaunted night-clubs of Sydney. The primary motifs are the typical tropical coconut palms of New Guinea and the blue of the sea horizon. The scarlet of the hibiscus breaks the green and blue colours, while the splendidlyaainted male bird-of-paradise (that would ielight the eye of an ice-box manufacturer) stands somewhat cheeky guard an the door of the ladies’ powder-room, rhe artist who is responsible for these really excellent paintings is Mrs. Kuster, af Rabaul.

The cabaret supplies something that has rang been needed at Rabaul. At last one nay dine, wine and dance to the strains af an orchestra in surroundings that do lot shout their “Army Disposals” origin, rhe opening was a great success and the ’epresentative gatherings of Europeans md Chinese residents that attended mgur well for the venture.

Among the representative gathering at ;he opening nights were;-Mr, and Mrs. B. 3. Perriman, Mr. and Mrs. J. Gilmour, 3en., Mr. and Mrs. J. Gilmour, Jr., Mr.

Frank Riorden, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Chan, Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Achung, Judge Esme Bignold, Mr. and Mrs. Chin H. Meen, Mr. and Mrs. J. K. McCarthy, Mrs, W. Watkins, Mrs. V. Pearson, Mr.

Toong Pen.

TOP: Opening Night, November 26 —Europeans predominating.

LOWER: Opening Night, November 28 —Chinese predominating. —Photo by Meen. 99 ACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

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Sullen Natives

Missionary’s Report From Solomon Islands THE natives are practically in open rebellion against the British Government throughout the Solomon Islands.

Mr. W. T. Wade, a member of the staff of the South Sea Evangelical Mission, said in a luncheon address in Wellington, NZ, on November 2. The atmosphere of rebellion he attributed to the Marching Rule movement, which began in a very small way during the war, and had flared up in the last couple of years.

During the war many natives had worked as labourers for the American forces, who had been very generous to them, he said. The natives began to think white men must have such things to give away freely and asked themselves why the British Government, planters and missionaries had not treated them similarly. The Marching Rule movement was strongly anti-British and pro-United States.

The natives would not even co-operate as well as before with planters and missionaries. Many Christian natives were involved in the movement and were getting religion and politics hopelessly confused.

The Tokelau Islands (population 1,373) are well endowed with officials, according to the annual report of the New Zealand Department of Island Territories. The three atolls in the group each has a magistrate, mayor, clerk and postal officer, wireless operator and weather reporter, chief of police, police, wardress, doctor, nurse, and male dresser. All are natives.

MISSIONARY RETURNS: The Rev. Fr, W.

O’Connell, who returned to Sydney recently after a holiday in Ireland. He will go on to a mission station in New Britain where he has been for the past ten years.

During the Jap invasion he suffered severely. 101 ACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER 1949

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Queensland Merchants Supplies

143-145 QUEEN ST., BRISBANE, QLD. % m l . limited ■ 'K _ ‘ Bakers of the best biscuits S/9620 Norfolk Island Notes

By Vernon Wheatley

NEAR FATALITY: The Whaling Company’s new chaser uses an electrified harpoon —the whale is electrocuted instead of killed by an explosive head — ■ and Captain Hansen had just fired and missed. As he was hauling in the line, , the mechanic accidentally flipped the ; energising switch. Fortunately, Captain j Hansen had momentarily relinquished his ; grip on the line and and thus narrowly T escaped certain death. As it was, a fair ' sized hole was blown in the side of the ; vesseL-and this was speedily repaired 1 upon return to base.

In spite of many obstacles the Company * has given a lead as to what to expect next J season. Now that many difficulties have j been ironed out, the Company, given i merely the elements of luck, should get d at least a whale a week.

BOUQUET: At long last the Adminis- tration has made a serious attempt to c transform the cattle tracks humorously \ termed roads into at least a semblance of I real roads. The Department of Works a and Housing is performing the task, as a the Administration does not possess suit- able plant or equipment. In the past, the Administration has been unable to o pay good wages and thus could not at- tract labour.

LUXURY: Poor Phyliss has been dis-charged, sacked or what-have-you..i Phyllys or Phyllis—it’s all one to me—wasa, an ancient Chev., sans everything, buti still filled with the determination there at all costs. She was a grand pldb l a( jy—her canvas top lashed with wires and old bootlaces, her doors flapping inn the wind of her own velocity, heri; mechanical roar unstifled by either muf-fler or exhaust pipe, and her windshieldb screen opaque with a perpetual mist. Shee bore her name proudly—painted inexpertly on the bonnet —but the Anglicann minister found the going too tough. The9j old lady was sold and her place is takem by a sleek young wench of this years' vintage. An interest-free loan, plus as few raffles and functions, enabled thoi change to be made.

WHISPER: If anybody with enterprises —plus a bit of capital, of course—likess to ship a few small boats to Vila, he willb find a ready sale for them at almost any: price he cares to ask.

ANGUISH: A visitor was heard to com-o ment somewhat bitterly: “I don’t know about Norfolk being called ‘The Madeira*! of the Pacific’—it should be called thee ‘Bahamas of the Pacific.’ ” The Bahamasj as you know, is a millionaires’ playgroundb We are inclined to agree. With tinn freight skipping up £1 every time a boae calls, cement at 25/- a bag, and increases, in prices all along the line, the brassed!) off housewife is wondering when anm how it will all end. We could tell her. .

SHIPPING; Since the Holmburn haa. indicated that she will call regularly her©*! there has been a sort of rush from NS> First the Monique, and, later in Decembers the Rosalie. BP’s are the agents for thrt latter vessels.

HOSPITAL HANDICAPS: An ovens worked doctor and matron do a wondens fully good job at the NI Hospital, under adverse conditions. The Admimstratiooj offers only 25/- per week ° r 5/ - P er j for Probationer Nurses, and of there are not enough apphcants. Voluffii tary workers are appealed for, and mapjj public-spirited women respond; but■ J® Administration will not provide transooio for them. If the matron wants an artic.oj for the hospital, she bas tomakea public appeal. There is no X : Ray Piant. one requiring that service, must take till pfane to Auckland or Sydney Samtarj conditions around the hospital are veie 102

December, X 9 4 9 -Pacif.C Islands Monthly

their claims, verified by affidavit or statutory declaration, on or before the thirty-first day of March, 1950, to James Irwin Cromie, Solicitor, Port Moresby, one of the Official Liquidators.

The Official Liquidators, may, at any time after the thirty-first day of March, 1950, the date fixed for the submission to them of such claims, proceed with the winding-up and seek the sanction of the Court or a Judge to a distribution of the surplus assets of the Club without further regard being had to any claim not received by them by that date.

Dated the eleventh day of November, 1949.

J. Irwin Cromie and B. Fairfax-Ross, Official Liquidators.

Wanted To Buy

SEA SHELLS. —First quality sea shells wanted— send for details of requirements to: — Gbres, 62 Albert Avenue, Springvale, Victoria, Australia.

Positions Vacant

WANTED. —Capable and reliable Manager for Rubber Estate in Papua. Experience in working native labour necessary. Salary: £6OO per annum, increasing to £7OO per annum, with bonus. Apply to M. H. Jewell, Anglo-Papuan Plantations, Ltd., Lolorua Estate, Kanosia District, via Port Moresby, Papua.

SALESMAN FOR FIJI. —Old-established Islands trading firm handling overseas agencies requires a man with proved selling ability. Knowledge of textiles and preferably with Islands experience.

Married man preferred. Reply, in writing, with copies of references to: “Islands,” Box 1759, Auckland, N.Z.

Position Wanted

ENGLISHMAN, aged 35. would like position in Fiji. Responsible: considerable business experience; also some farming experience. Will consider any reasonable proposition. Write: B.

Sutton, 17 Frandi Street, Wellington, N.Z.

Public Notices

LOST POLICY.—City Mutual Life Assurance Society, Ltd., 309 Queen Street, Brisbane. One month from date, it is the Society’s intention to issue Special Policy in lieu of Policy No. 410842 for £2OO issued to HORACE FRANCIS WALLINGTON JOLLEY, of Lae, T.N.G., by the Society on December 11, 1940, and which is declared to be lost. — (Sgd.) J. M. Hannan, Manager for Queensland, Brisbane, November 22, 1949.

SPECIAL POLICY. —The Equitable Probate & General Insurance Co., Ltd., Victorian Branch, 360 Collins St., Melbourne, C. 1., hereby gives notice of its intention to issue after one month a Special Policy in lieu of Policy 52426/V —DESMOND LYLE CARROLL—declared to have been burnt.

In the matter of the Companies Ordinance, 1912- 1926 (Papua Adopted) and in the matter of THE RABAUL CLUB.—By order of the Supreme Court of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea in this matter made on the eighth day of November, 1949’, upon the Petition of JAMES IRWIN CROMIE, a former member of the Club, it was ordered that The Rabaul Club shall be deemed to have been dissolved on the twenty-fourth day of January, 1942; and that all persons who were at that date members of the Club (other than honorary members) are the persons alone entitled to any assets of the Club that remain surplus after liabilities of the Club have been discharged, which surplus assets shall be distributed amongst those persons in equal shares, the share of any one of those persons who may have died since the dissolution of the Club on the twenty-fourth day of January, 1942, to be paid to his legal personal representative; that the Club be wound-up by the Court and that James Irwin Cromie, Solicitor, and Basil Fairfax- Ross, Assistant General Manager, both of Port Moresby, were appointed Official Liquidators of the said Club.

All persons who claim to have been members of the said Club on the twenty-fourth day of January, 1942, or to be the legal personal representatives of members of the Club at that date, but who have since died, are required to submit

Blaxland-Chapman Engines

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The acquisition by Blaxland Rae Pty., Ltd., of the well-known engineering business of Chapman & Sherack has resulted in a wide and notable range of Marine Engines, Launches, Pumps and other Engineering lines becoming available for Island residents. ili 3H.P. BLAXLAND Inquiries are invited.

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Blaxland-Chapman Twin

Sole Pacific Distributors for BLAXLAND BAE PTY., LTD.

4 York St., Sydney, Australia

Box 3838, G.P.O. Cables: “CARE,” Sydney. bad. The Administration’s unwillingness to spend money on this institution is publicly condemned. (Editorial Note—Nl has very limited revenues. Therefore, if NI is to be supplied with anything out of routine, the Australian taxpayer must foot the bill.

There seems nothing wrong in the Administration’s obvious policy that the untaxed Norfolk Islanders should pay for Nl’s public services—by voluntary labour, or in some other way.) The Ven. Archdeacon Romney Gill of the Anglican Mission, Papua, and very well known in the Territory, was recently married to Dr. Olive Buckley.

Mr. Allan Russell, with his prize bull Amethyst, at his plantation at Siumu, Western Samoa. 103 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER, 1949

June, 1942 Plantation £16 0 0 £15 PMS 0 0 July, 1942 16 12 6 15 12 6 June, 1944 19 10 0 18 0 0 October, 1944 .. .. 20 0 0 18 10 0 December, 1945 .. 19 7 6 17 17 6 January, 1946 .. .. 18 5 6 18 0 0 August, 1946 .. 23 10 6 23 5 0 February, 1947 . .. 29 15 6 29 10 0 June 9, 1947 .. 36 19 0 36 13 6 December 8, 1947 . 38 5 6 38 0 0 March 15, 1948 .. 46 5 6 46 0 0 January 1, 1949 .. 49 10 6 49 5 0 Hot-air Smoked Jan. 7, 1947 .. . £28 0 0 £27 0 0 June 17, 1947 . £31 2 0 Nov. 23, 1947 . £35 10 0 April 8. 1948 . £40- £45 January 1. 1949:— Pt. Moresby . £48 0 0 £47 7 6 Samarai .. £48 0 0 £47 7 6 Madang . .. £48 0 0 £47 7 6 Rabaul .. £48 0 0 £47 7 6 Kokopo .. £46 17 6 £46 5 0 Kavieng . .. £45 17 6 £45 5 0 Official Price for P-NG Copra sold in Sydney: Hot-air Dried Smoked January, 1947 . .. £36 10 0 £35 10 0 July. 1947 . .. .. £51 5 0 £50 5 0 April, 1948 . .. .. £61 0 0 £60 0 0 April, 1949 . .. .. £66 0 0 £65 7 6 May. 1949 . .. .. £66 10 0 £65 17 6 FIJI Aug., 1939.

Nov. 1 Dec. 1 Emperor Mines .. b9/H bl2/10 bl3/- Loloma s25/6 b23/9 b25/3

New Guinea

Bulolo G.D bl24/bll7/6 b95/- Enterprise of N.Q. b27/6 bl5/bl5/- Guinea Gold •. .. bl3/3 S14/2 sl2/- N.G.G., Ltd bl/10 b2/4 b2/3 Placer Development b68/6 sl65/bl40/- Sandy Creek .. .. bl/5 b9d. b7y 2 d.

Sunshine Gold . .. b6/5 bll/3 sl2/- PAPUA Cuthbert’s Misima .

S16/6 b6/6 s8/- Mandated Alluvials b3/8 bl/6 bl/6 Oil Search S3/11 b5/5 b5/- Oriomo Oil b5/s3/2 b2/- Papuan Apinaipi .. b4/ll s5/7 b5/- Buying Selling £ s. d. £ s. d.

Telegraphic transfer . .. Ill 2 6 113 0 0 On demand .. Ill 2 6 113 0 0 Buying Selling £ s. d. £ s. d.

Telegraphic transfer . 100 7 6 101 10 0 On demand 99 9 3 101 10 0 Purchasers at Full Market Prices on Assay Value of GOLD SILVER PLATINUM And Platinum Group Metals

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Assays of Bullion, Ores, etc.

Analyses of Metals, Minerals, Alloys, etc.

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METALLURGISTS— Our range of precious metal manufactures covers all industries —Gold and Silversmiths, Electrical Trades, Dental Profession, Glass Sllverers, Electro-Platers, etc., etc.

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Garrett, Davidson &

MATTHEY PTY., LTD. 824 George St., Sydney. Works; Snrry 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.

Islands Produce

(Unless otherwise stated, quotations are in Australian currency) COCOA Cocoa beans imported into Australia from the Pacific Islands come mostly from New Guinea and the New Hebrides and are purchased almost wholly by the Commonwealth Chocolate and Confectionery Manufacturers’ Association. The buying price is based on the ruling rate of Accra beans (produced mainly in the Gold Coast Colony, West Africa). Due to the strong demand for the new season’s crop (1949-50) and to the devaluation of the £ stg. prices rose considerably during recent months.

Accra (quotation by Colyer, Watson Pty., Ltd., Sydney): Jan./Mar. shipment, £197/10/- sterling (equivalent to approximately £246/17/6 (Aust.), c.i.f., Sydney.

Western Pacific cocoa beans were quoted on the Sydney market in mid-December at;— New Guinea: £lB6 per ton.

New Hebrides; £l9l per ton.

The bulk of Western Samoa's cocoa production goes to USA, where its distribution is controlled by the International Control Board.

The price in Apia fell early in 1949 to £llO-£l2O Samoan per ton. f.0.b., but now has recovered under a stimulated American demand. In December, Samoan beans were quoted at £2lO Samoan per ton, f.o.b.

Trochus Shell

Irregular shipments are handled in Sydney by some Pacific Islands trading firms. Recent nominal quotations were: Thursday Island shell, £65 to £7O per ton, f.0.b.; New Guinea shell, £64 per ton, c.i.f., Sydney; Solorhon Islands shell. £65 per ton, c.i.f., Sydney. The market at present is in a confused state owing to (a) the recent devaluation of the £; and (b) the calling of tenders by Japan for huge amounts of trochus shell.

COFFEE Overseas rates for coffee produced in British Territories and Colonies increased in September, following the announcement of the devaluation of the £ stg. Pacific Territories prices for coffee advanced similarly. Nominal quotations are:— New Caledonia: Production is being taken by France at higher than normal rates (equivalent to around £250 Aust. per ton for Arabica and £2OO Aust. for Robusta).

New Guinea and Papua: Nominally £lBO to £240 per ton (c.i.f.), according to quality.

Java: No exports coming to Australia from Indonesia at present.

Vanilla Beans

Production of the main South Seas vanillaproducer, French Oceania, mostly goes to USA.

Price for Tahiti vanilla beans (White Label) quoted on the Sydney market (by J. C. Merrillees Pty., Ltd.) is 8/6 per lb., c.i.f. Australian ports.

RICE No free-trading in rice at present. The whole of the Australian rice crop goes to the Government for allocation to countries where rice is a staple of the native peoples. Rice shipped from Sydney to Islands ports is fixed at £45 per ton White and £49 per ton Brown.

Green Snail Shell

Quotations recently in Sydney were at £72 per ton, c.i.f., for f.a.q. shell, with recent market dull.

Pearl Shell

By a three-years’ contract between the Otto Gerdau Company (principal Mother of Pearl Shell buyer in USA) and the majority of Torres Strait pearlers, the Thursday Island shell prices were fixed, a short time ago, at: Sound grades, £A325 per ton, f.0.b., TI; “D” grade, £A225; “E” grade, £AI25 —all prices plus a bonus to be declared by the company. For the first portion of the 1949-50 season, the bonus was £A2S per ton. Last season’s prices were around £A4OO for first-class grades of Torres shell.

Independent quotation; Top grades. £A465 per ton; “D,” £A34O; “E,” £240.

Price Of Gold

The Commonwealth Bank has fixed the price of gold bought in Australia at:— Pine Standard oz. .. £15/9/10 oz £14/4/- (Australian Currency).

COPRA Copra Prices During World War II The copra market was controlled by Governments from outbreak of war in 1939 until the end of the war in 1945. Some controls are still being exercised in the post-war period.

Fiji Local Baying Price, in Store, Fiji Currency.

From January 1, 1949, the British Ministry of Food bought Fiji copra at the above fixed price.

For each subsequent year until 1958, the price will be adjusted by negotiation.

There will be a new price from January 1, 1950.

New Hebrides From a maximum of £7O/12/6 (Aust.), per ton, in 1948, the price of New Hebrides copra firmed in mid-1949 to around £ASB per ton.

Western Samoa Samoa has a 10 years’ contract agreement with the UK Government —exporters receive £45 Samoan per ton (an additional £3 per ton being held by the Copra Board towards a Stabilisation Fund).

Territory Of Papua-New Guinea

ANGPCB Fixed Price. Delivered to Ship’s Slings or to the Board’s warehouse.

Australia agreed to sell a proportion, of P-NG’s copra production annually to the UK Ministry of Pood, for a period of nine years, at fixed prices. For 1949, the price to the UK was £4B Stg. per ton, f.0.b., Territory ports; during 1949 planters received £4O Aust. per ton for this copra.

RUBBER During World War 11, Papua’s rubber production was controlled by the Australian Government.

Since price control on rubber was lifted, most Australian trading firms use the Singapore day-to-day quotations as a basis when buying Papuan rubber. The Singapore Exchange prices for four grades and average rates ruling in November were;— No. 1 RSS, baled, 45Vj2 cents lb. (15.9 and. Aust.) No. 1 RSS, loose, 45 Vz cents lb. (15.9 and. Aust.) No. 2 RSS, baled, 44V4 cents lb. (15.48 and. Aust.) No. 3 RSS, baled, 42V2 cents lb. (14.87 and. Aust.)

Quotations For Mining

SHARES Exchange Rates THE following exchange quotations show the rates existing in Sydney, mid-December: — FIJI Through Bank of NSW and Bank of New Zealand: —Australia on Fiji on basis of £lOO Fiji: Buying. £Alll/2/6; selling, £AII3. Plji- London on basis of £lOO London: —

Western Samoa

Through Bank of New Zealand:—Australia on Western Samoa on basis of £lOO Samoa: buying, £ A123/12/6; selling, £AI24/10/9.

Samoa-London on basis of £lOO London: — Samoa on New Zealand, on basis of £lOO NZ:—Buying, £100; selling, £lOO/10/-.

Samoa on Fiji, on basis of £lOO Samoa:— Buying, £111; selling, £llO.

Samoa on USA on basis of £1 Samoa (telegraphic transfer); Buying, 2.7991 dollars; selling, 2.7586 dollars.

The Bank of NZ in Apia pays the following Samoan currency prices for overseas notes: — NZ notes £1 for Australian notes 15/6 for £AI USA notes .. .. 7/3 (approx.) per dollar Fijian notes 17/6 per £PI

Papua-New Guinea

Bank of New South Wales, which has branches in Port Moresby, Lae, and RabaiU quotes an exchange rate between Australia and Papua-New Guinea of 10/- per £lOO.

Similar rates through Commonwealth Bank of Australia (branches at Port Moresby, Lae, Rabaul and Madang).

French Pacific Colonies

SINCE the end of 1945, the franc, instead of having the same value in all parts of the French Empire, has been given different values in different Colonial Groups. There are three groups. Group 1 (using Metropolitan francs.): France, North Africa, West Indies, French Guiana. Group 2 (using African francs): All African Colonies, Madagascar, Reunion, St.

Pierre, Miquelon. Group 3 (using Pacific francs).

New Caledonia. New Hebrides, French Oceania.

In September, 1949, when Britain and Australia devalued their currencies, in relation to the US dollar, the franc rate was altered as shown below (nominal only): .„ , _ . . £ Stg, USA Dol. £ Aust.

Group 1 (Metrop.) .. 981 349.20 777 Group 2 (African) Quotations not yet available.

Group 3 (Pacific) .. 178.37 70* 141 - 75 *Approximate rate for commercial transactions.

All quotations are subject to daily fluctuations.

Published by PACIFIC PUBLICATIONS PTY., LTD., Union House, 247 George Street, Sydney."cTeJe;P^one^^ W ( Tde^«^°MA S nOU PTinted in Australia by the Sydney and Melbourne Publishing Co. Pty.. Ltd.. 29 Alberta Street. Sydney. (Teiepnone. ma

Si 1 V r 1 7 % i ood company deserves the best, and it is a thoughtful and discerning host who serves his guests sparkling K.B. Lager. For “K. 8.” adds enjoyment to any gathering, and it’s one drink that’s appreciated by everybody, men and women alike.

TOOTHS LAGER K 8.35. FF DECEMBER, 1949 PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY

Capital ....... £500,000 ESTABLISHED 1914

General Merchants

AND PROYIDORES TRADE THROUGHOUT THE PACIFIC.

THIRTY-FIVE YEARS OF PACIFIC ISLANDS DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICE.

Buyers And Exporters Of All Kinds

OF ISLAND PRODUCE, COPRA, COCOA, M.O.P. SHELL, TROCAS SHELL, ETC.

Agents For Australian, European

AND AMERICAN MANUFACTURERS.

Distributors Of Every Description

OF MERCHANDISE.

Through our Sydney office, branches and agents, we distribute a wide and comprehensive range of general merchandise. f. R. CARPENTER S CO. LTD.

Head Office: 16 O'CONNELL STREET, SYDNEY, N.S.W.

Cable Address: “CAMOHE.”

Telephone: BW 4421.

Postal Address: G.P.O., BOX 168, Sydney.

In London: W. R. Carpenter & Co. (London), Ltd., Coronation House, 4 Lloyd's Ave., London, EC ASSOCIATED COMPANIES THROUGHOUT THE PACIFIC : IN NEW GUINEA: New Guinea Company. Limited, Rabaul, Lae, Madang, Kavieng.

IN PAPUA: J. R. Clay & Co., Ltd., Port Moresby.

IN FIJI: W. R. Carpenter & Co. (Fiji), Ltd., Suva.

PACIFIC ISLANDS MONTHLY DECEMBER 1949