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[Page 91]
BRITISH ADMINISTRATION - GERMAN NEW GUINEA:
RABAUL,
4th October 1914.
The Chief of the General Staff,
Melbourne:
Sir;
I have just been informed that the Troopship "Berrima" is to sail for Australia today at 4-0 p.m., and am embracing the opportunity of returning my Principal Medical Officer, Lieut-Col. N.R. Howse, V.C. [V.D.]
Lieut-Col. Howse has performed invaluable service in the organization of the Medical and Sanitary Services at Rabaul, Herbertshohe and Frederick Wilhelmshafen.
At each place there are European and Native Hospitals. At the first place Captain Maguire, A.A.M.C., is in charge, assisted by two local Medical Officers. At the second, Captain Donaldson, A.A.M.C., in in command, assisted by a local man, while at the third place Captain G.C. Byrne is in command, also assisted by a local man.
The Barracks and Sanitary arrangements of all the Garrisons have been completed, under Colonel Howse's personal directions, and there now remains little or nothing for him to do, and my only reason for returning him to Australia is that his services, as an experienced Surgeon, may be utilised to far better advantage to the Empire in connection with the further Contingents now being organized in Australia for despatch to Europe.
Although I have written fully to you and the Minister on everything that has occurred so far with this Expedition, Colonel Howse will be able to supplement this for your information, and that of the Minister, as he is fully acquainted with all my actions and reasons for the same, also with my proposals for further Administration.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(Sgd.) WILLIAM HOLMES, Colonel.
ADMINISTRATOR.