Missionary Tells How War Came To Solomons

Northern Advocate, 11 June 1942, Page 2

Missionary Tells How War Came To Solomons

Life and some of its attendant experiences under the shadow of war in the South-western Pacific were graphically told to a large and interested audience at the Whangarei Methodist Sunday school nail last night by the Rev. C. Luxton. who, tor the past three years, has laboured as a missionary under the Methodist Church on the island of Buka, one of the smaller and most northerly of the British Solomons group. Mr. Luxton said that it had been felt for the last 18 months that, in the event of hostilities breaking out between Britain and Japan, the Solomons would be one cl the first places to be attacked. During that period it was no uncommon thing to see Japanese planes periodically flying over Rabaul. in New Britain, and occasionally in the Solomons area. In Case of Invasion

When the blow ultimately fell, preparations were made to establish depots in the interior, where food and clothing could be stored against any emergency. It was felt that it was of little use making such preparations on Buka, because of its small size. Bougainville, an adjoining island of much larger dimensions. being ICO miles long with a mountainous range running down the centre, was chosen by the Government as the place where depots should be instituted. Marine activity was also noticeable, and strange boats 'were to be seen, especially at night, dashing up and down the coasts. German raiders had passed by some of the islands, about 20 miles distant. Prepare for Evacuation

In view ol' the suspicious circumstances. Mr. Luxton said, he had been informed by an ollieial of the Government that all women and children were to be evacuated as soon as possible. The speaker said that lie had proceeded to Roviana. some 300 miles to the south, in his small launch, to attend Synod. A week later, upon returning home to Buka, in another slightly larger boat (his own having broken down), he was informed that lie had to gather all women and children, together and evacuate them to Rabaul. The boat left in charge of one man and contained 22 women and five children. It was known that the party eventually reached their destination after many vicissitudes. On January 22 Rabaul had been subjected to a terrific bombardment, when scores of Japanese planes had attacked th.e town, causing widespread death and destruction. The radio station and many other strategic and important points had fallen into enemy hands. The Gathering Storm

Meanwhile, the men left on Buka had proceeded to the mountains, where they stayed for some little time. Bougainville, however, had by this time seen signs of the gathering storm, a huge flying-boat making daily flights over the islands, evidently for the purpose of ascertaining as to whether the islands were fortified. Flying lower on every occasion. the enemy was apparent'-'' satisfied that there were no fortifications, and one day bombs and machine-guns were brought into play upon the villages. Aeroplane and seaplane bases were established within a few miles of the station. Mr. Luxton’s boat had been commandeered by the authorities, and there was nothing left for the missionaries and other white residents to make their escape, if possible, and he had been authorised to arrange a plan. A small vessel was secured and a start was eventually made for Port Moresby, some 9GO miles distant. They had no maps or other aids to navigation, and no one else in the party was able to run the boat but himself. Nightmare Journey

After several days of rough weather and privations, an island was reached, but they were not allowed to land, because it was thought that the Japanese might be already there.

They travelled for another six days—doing' most of their journey in daylight—and were thankful to have the company of two Port Moresby boys, who had previously been employed in attending to the beacons marking the locality in which they were now sailing, and who proved of great assistance to the party at this stage. Before reaching their desired haven they had been cheered by the presence of many planes overhead for several days which they believed to be friendly Royal Australian machines, but in reality thev later proved to have been enemy planes. However, they had not been molested by the overhead visitors. Bombers Over Itabaul

Eventually, after a nightmare journey of 12 days, the party of 14 reached Port Moresby, many having suffered severely from sea-sickness and other disabilities. The town had been heavily bombed, but was then quiet. After securing moorings in the harbour they were rudely awakened at 3 a.m, by the bursting of Japanese bombs, but the raiders passed over, once more leaving the town in comparative peace.

More raids were expected at any time, and it. was a ease of waiting patiently until such time as they could be evacuated to the Australian mainland. As far as was possible all civilians were being

sent away, and in due course Mr. Luxton's parly found themselves in a ship which usually carried 80 people, but on this occasion had 300 on board. Safe in Queensland

A landing was safely made at Cairns, Northern Queensland, and by various stages and in devious ways, the party ultimately reached Sydney. From there. Mr. Luxton made a comfortable .iournev in the Tasman flyingboat to New Zealand, where he joined his family and where he at last felt safe. In the meantime. Mr. Luxton said, the work of the mission was still being carried on in the Solomons, although it was known that the stations and all the appurtenances had been destroyed. Friend Stays Behind His own friend and colleague. Rev. Don. Alley, was left behind, together with the Revs. Metcalfe and Sylvester and Sister Merle Farland. all Methodist missionaries, and it was not known what their fate had been. Mr. Alley, who. by the wav. had a brother employed in the Public Works Department in Whangarei a few years ago. could have escaped, but he would not leave his native people, who were in great fear of the invader, and it was believed that they had retreated into the mountains. There was much thev did know, but it was that which they did not know which troubled them so greatly. They all wondered what was happening to the native Christians, and reports from Rabaul were not encouraging. It was known that many native people had been rounded up and shot bv the Japanese. Missionaries Remain All but one of the Australian missionaries in New Britain were known to have remained on the island, although great destruction had been wrought, not only there but in the Solomons and elsewhere. The Methodist missions had been working in the Solomons for 40 years, and at the time of the invasion some 280 native teachers were engaged in mission work under the church. It was confidently expected that these faithful and devoted men and women would continue their Christian activities in spite of the disastrous state of affairs existing there today. Mr. Luxton concluded by saying that he and all other Euronean workers evacuated from the islands were anxiously awaiting the day when they would be allowed to return to once more take iid the work which lay so close to their hearts.