[Alfred, Bishop of Melanesia; homosexuality and murder ] [Airmail] Typed Letter Signed "Alfred Melanesia" to the Rev. Father H. Cecil Cohen C.R. at Welsh address, about

Author: 
Alfred Melanesia [ Alfred Thomas Hill (1901–1969), fourth Anglican Bishop of Melanesia].
Publication details: 
Melanesian Mission, Honiara, British Solomon Islands, 17 January 1956.
£250.00
SKU: 22596

Airmail letter, 27 x 17cm, one and a half pages typed, fold marks, minor staining, mainly good. A long and detailed letter discussing the circumstances of the forthcoming trial of Reginald Poole, revealed as a predatory homosexual, and about to be tried for the murder of a Melanesian youth. He describes it as a "time of crisis and distress [...] It is a bitter blow that such a tragic incident should come in the very early days of my episcopacy [...][but] Meanesia will emerge from her hour of darkness and make a greater contribution of devoted loyalty and service to the Church Universal." He asks for support especially for those who will be witnesses at the Trial. "You will have heard details of the tragic incident which took place at the Maravovo School on November 17th." When he had returned to the Solomons he had engaged the services of a "christian psychiatrist" (from Sydney) who had many interviews with Poole "and then made his report". He had been shocked at the Preliminary Enquiry at what staff members said about Poole and his behaviour "whilst at Pawa School - had such matter [have elided] been reported to me or my Archdeacon this crime may not have been committed as I should have ordered Poole South immediately. It is easy to be wise after such an event! I have engaged Counsel - the trial is to be held on 31st January. There is no question or doubt as to his not [? by Cohen in margin] having committed the crime and so I have no doubt what the verdict of the court will be. It is obviously clear that Poole is a homo-sexual and that the trial is going to be a great strain and humiliation for us all." He has visited the parents of the murdered "lad" in Malaita. "some 700 had gathered at Sulufou to hear what the Bishop had to say. It is only of recent years that this area has received Christianity and there are still many heathens in the locality - their old custom is 'a life for a life'. Brisitish Justice is on trial as never before and should Reginald Poole be committed for life or declared insane we can expect repercussions [...]". He then discusses other projects he is involved with ("Two ship scheme", etc.) See Robert Aldrich, "Colonialism and Homosexuality" for details of the Poole murder case. Cf. the case of Cardinal Pell tried early this year.