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[Page 11]
(5)
I wish again to impress upon you the fact that the thick clothing in use in Australia, which was issued to the troops for this Expedition, is absolutely unbearable in the climate, and most of the men have, therefore, been compelled to buy lighter clothing from the Stores here out of their private purses, so please arrange that only the very lightest possible clothing be sent. 1,500 pairs boots of sizes similar to those previously issued should also be despatched.
I am endeavoring to restore as soon as possible normal conditions of affairs as regards supplies for the population, and I have induced the principal Merchants to despatch orders for goods to Messrs. Justus Scharff & Coy., York St. Sydney, assuring them that there was very little risk as the trade routes to these parts were quite open. I have also written myself to Justus Scharff, urging them to comply with these orders, and I would be glad if you also would communicate with that Firm and encourage them to do all they can to open up trade with these Islands. The Merchants inform me that there is a large quantity of copra to be shipped away to market, and opportunity of so doing could be taken when the ship by which my provisions are conveyed is returning.
Five thousand pounds ( £5,000) additional will, I estimate, be required for pay for the troops at the different garrisons. I shall continue to pay them in British coin and shall reserve the monies which I am to take over from the late German Administration for carrying on the Government of this place.
Yesterday I received through the Admiral a notification from the Naval Board that the Government had appointed me Administrator. This fact has been publicly announced here and I have entered upon the duties.
As far as I am aware at present, there are only about £50 worth of postage stamps of the late German Administration available. These I am having marked "G.R.I." by means of printing press which I have discovered here, but I would suggest that steps be at once taken to furnish me with Australian Postage Stamps, say, £300 worth, at the earliest opportunity.
Yesterday I dealt with about 55 Prisoners in terms of the agreement of capitulation. Many of them have taken the oath of neutrality and returned to their farms. Others, particularly Officials of the late German Administration, are prisoners on parole here, whom I shall despatch to Sydney at the earliest opportunity, as keeping them here where they can get into touch with natives is not conducive to good administration.
The formal surrender of the German Troops is taking place today at Herbertshohe, and I am expecting the Governor and a large number of Prisoners to arrive here this evening. I have arranged for quarters for the Governor until he can be shipped away, and the prisoners will be dealt with in terms of the agreement. Until this evening I shall not know what amount of money will be handed over by the Governor, and as this mail closes at 4-0 p.m. today, the information must be deferred until my next letter to you, or possibly I may advise you by wireless.