RAID ON SOLOMONS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 24, 4 March 1942, Page 5

RAID ON SOLOMONS

MISSIONARY'S STORY

•CAPTURE" OF CAPITAL

The story of the "capture" of Ivieta, administrative centre of the Solomon Islands group, reported bv cable to have been effected by two Japanese ami a Hag, has been told by the Rev C. T. J. Luxton, of the Methodist Mission of the Solomons, whose parents, Mr and Mrs 1. D. Luxton. reside in Hamilton. The Rev Mr Luxton is a nephew of Mr and M.rs L. W. Luxton, of Awakeri.

On January 9, said Mr Luxton, a four-engined Japanese living boat began a reconnaissance of the islands in the group and, from a few days later, its Plight was regular daily. Each day it ilew lower until, on January '23. it circled Ivieta several times and finally landed on the water on the opposite side of the island from the harbour entrance normally used by residents. Plans for evacuation had been made by the district officer, and residents had stores and petrol ready loaded.

A boat from the Japanese plane came ashore, and two airmen climbed the hill leading to the wireless station, where thc.y flew a signal ling as a sign el' occupation. Meantime, the residents made good their departure from the opposite side of the harbour. Mr Luxton, on his way toward Kiela in a 41 ft boat, met the party 10 miles from Kieta. The.v transferred to his boat, their own being sent back to pick up the others. With 15 aboard, Mr Luxton's