LANDING SUCCESS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24582, 13 May 1943, Page 5

LANDING SUCCESS

RUSSELL ISLANDS PLAN

TASK OF FIJIAN TROOPS (N.Z.E.F. Official "War Correspondent) SOUTH PACIFIC BASE, May 12 In the quiet dawn that followed a night lit brilliantly by tho moon, ebony black, fuzzy-haired Fijian natives, led by two bronzed New Zealand officers, leaped ashore from landing boats as part of the American force which seized the Russell Islands, north-west of Guadalcanal-, in a further minor but important step forward along the Solomons chain. Keyed up to battle pitch by rigorous jungle training the native guerilla fighters and their New Zealand leaders, together with their United States Marine Corps and navy companions, were disappointed that there was no battle, only traces of Japanese occupation being found. It was known that a fairly strong enemy force had been stationed there, but they bad probably made a hurried evacuation about the time Guadaleanar itself was given up by the Japanese, New Zealand Officers The New Zealanders were two of a number of Dominion officers who have long been training and commanding the natives' defence forces in the Fiji Group. Some were sent to Guadaleanar a few months ago to gain practical experience in jungle warfare, and to take part in operations which might best be entrusted to natives born and bred to jungle conditions. Their role in the Russell Islands operation was that of a scouting party, with orders to vanish into the bush-clad hills and to seek out and destroy hidden enemy positions. As precise as a manoeuvre, the landing was an excellent example of perfectly co-ordinated air and surface operations. In spite of the bright moonlight 110 enemy planes sighted the invasion fleet, which disembarked the force at several different points from several different directions. Full air cover was provided by powerful Guadaleanar air forces, which included New Zealand reconnaissance bombers, but neither in the air nor 011 the surface was opposition encountered. Pinning Down Enemy

Bomber units from the South-west Pacific Command, under General MacArthur, co-operated by request with the attacks against Japanese bases in the Solomons chain aimed at keeping enemy naval forces away from the scene. Australians who had known the Russell Islands well in peacetime supplied information which helped the occupation plans. The Japanese have since bombed the islands with little success. Asked if he thought they might try to recapture the group, Rear-Admiral R. K. Turner, who commanded the landing force, declared, "1 hope so."

RUGBY FOOTBALL DEATHS ON ACTIVE SERVICE Mr. A. A. Baker, chairman of the management committee of the Auckland Rugby Union, referred last evening to the ever increasing loss the same is suffering through the deaths of former players on active service. Resolutions of sympathy were passed with the relatives of Sergeant F. H. Brown (Mantikau), Private O. F. Jackson (Mannkau) and Flight-Sergeant P. J. McGeehan (Suburbs), who have be-en gazetted as killed on active service.

A vote of appreciation of the services to the game of Flight-Lieutenant J. Webster, who is leaving Auckland on transfer, was carried by acclamation. Advice was received to the effect that, as the required number only had been nominated for official positions on the Now Zealand Union, the following had been declared elected:—President, Mr. W. M. .Snedding (Otago); council (North Island). Messrs. A. St. C. Belcner (Waikato), G. A. Maddison (Hawke's Bay), F. E. Sutherland land); council (executive), Messrs. S, S. Doan (Southland), A. C. Kitto (North Auckland). A. McDonald (Otago), C. L. Mullaney 'King Country), J. Prendeville (Wellington). J. H. Parker (Canterbury). J G Roache 'Auckland). The following nominations hat! been re-ceived:—Vice-presidents (two required), Messrs. A. A. Baker (Auckland), E. V. Phillips (Canterbury), H R Strang /Southland); South Island members of council (three required). Messrs. A. A. Adams West Coast). W. A. Craddock 'Buller), E V. Phillips (Canterbury), W. A. H Oliver (Sonfhland). The postal ballot for these elections closes to-morrow week

THE LEAGUE CODE The question of giving assistance io (he injured players' fund was discussed at last evening's meeting of the Auckland liuKby League. The chairman, Mr. J. W. Watson, read a letter from the senior officers' association asking that "players' day" bo set aside between the final of the championship and the Roope Rooster competition. Injuries received by two players at Carlaw Park last Saturday were referred to by Mr. Watson, who said that, according to medical advice, the accidents were caused by the sprigs in players' boots It was decided to make an inspection of all boots at frequent intervals during the season. Tho position of a player returning to civil occupation after serving in the armed forces for a period of 12 months, and being compelled to re-register with his former club, was referred to the senior clubs for a report. It was pointed out that, under the transfer rule, any player so absent for 1 2 months could register with any affiliated club, provided a financial clearance could be obtained. Fixtures for Saturday:—Manukau v. Otahuhu, Carlaw Park No. 1, 3 p.m., Mr. .S Billman; City v. Richmond, Carlaw Park Xo. 1. 1.45 p.m., Mr. H. Tate; Ponsonby v Marist, Carlaw Park No. 2, 3 p.m., Mr. G. Kelly; North Shore v. Mount Albert. Carlaw. Park No. 2, 1.45 p.m., Mr. J. Hawkes

GOLF COMPETITIONS North Shore Ladies. —Stableford bogey— Seniors: Miss A. O'Neill, Miss M. Stevens. SO; Mrs. W. Houghton. 2!>. Miss O'Neill won on a recount.. Juniors: Mrs. L. E. Joy. 2!): Mrs. E. Stehr, 28; Mrs. N. Crimp, 21. _ Waitomata Ladies. —Bogey match: Miss F Browne, 1 down, Mrs. N. ITcdley, " down C grade medal: Mrs. E. Smith, 75 net. Otahuhu Ladies.—Stableford for Saturday players: Miss Katz. 31; Mrs. Clarke. 30: Miss Worrell. 2S. Week-day players: Mrs. Wilson, 27; Mrs. Moss, Mrs. Williams. 2(>. Morrinsville. —Mixed foursomes over nine holes were played on opening; day, the best cards being:—J M. Stewart and Miss M. Ferguson, 13. 12%—30%; A. J. Shepherd and Miss V. J. Innes. 41. 7%—33 3 /; A. L Thomas and Miss L. Stevens, 45. !) —30: J C. Bell and Mrs. S. Brewis, 4!). 12—37

CRIMES ADMITTED Four charges of indecent assault on males were preferred against William Edwin Burke, soldier, aged 42 (Mr. Dickson), before Mr. Justice Callan yesterday. Accused pleaded guilty to two of the charges. On behalf of the Crown. Mr. Goal accepted the plea, and prisoner was remanded for sentence.

YOUNG MAN'S OFFENCES A soldier, aged 20, Douglas John Harvey (Mr. A. Hall Skelton), stood trial before Mr. Justice Fair yesterday on a charge of committing rape on a schoolgirl, 11 years of age. There were alternative charges of attempting to commit rape, of carnal knowledge and attempted carnal knowledge. Mr. G. S. R. Meredith prosecuted for the Crown. Accused was convicted on the major count of rape, and was remanded for sentence. He later pleaded not guilty to a charge of assaulting a woman with intent to commit rape, but guilty to a charge of assaulting her. Mr. Meredith said he would accent this plea, and abandon the charge of assault with intent. Accused was remanded for sentence.