Micronesian Monthly 1954 V02 12

Micronesian Monthly 1954 V02 12. Micronesian Monthly (Report). Fort Ruger, O'ahu, HI: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. January 1954. p. 36.

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Abstract: Beginning in 1951, the Headquarters for the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI) regularly published a magazine that detailed its work in the region. From 1951 through the first issue of 1956, the magazine was known as the Micronesian Monthly; from the second issue of 1956 through the end of the run in 1980, it was known as the Micronesian Reporter. From 1951 through December 1967, publication cycles varied: For the most part, the magazine was produced monthly, though certain issues cover two or more months. Starting in 1968, the magazine was formally shifted to a quarterly publication cycle, which continued through the first quarter of 1980, when publication ceased.

The January 1954 edition opens with the loss of the Trust Territory vessel Metomkin, which ran aground outside Ponape harbor on January 10 while carrying passengers and copra. Despite salvage attempts by Coast Guard and Navy vessels, including the USS Bolster from Japan, the ship was declared a total loss. Passengers were unharmed, and cargo remained intact. Other administrative news included Executive Officer Alfred Hurt’s visit to Honolulu to coordinate shipping and scrap metal exports, while High Commissioner Midkiff and Deputy Commissioner McConnell traveled to Washington to defend the 1955 Trust Territory budget request of $5.8 million, with $1.5 million earmarked for permanent construction.

The issue highlights leadership developments in the islands. A tribute was printed for Homer Baker, remembered as a dedicated official and friend of the island communities. In Chuuk, Chief Petrus of “Moen” (now Weno) was elected chairman of the annual Chiefs’ Conference, the first time a local leader presided instead of American officials. The chiefs discussed taxation, copra marketing, and magistrate elections, ultimately favoring popular elections. The “Year in Review” section recapped 1953 events: the transfer of Saipan and Tinian back to Navy jurisdiction, the death of former High Commissioner Elbert D. Thomas, Eisenhower’s appointment of Frank E. Midkiff as his successor, and visits from the United Nations mission and South Pacific Commission specialists.

Other features addressed broader development and health concerns. An editorial on economic development described efforts to protect land ownership, stabilize copra prices, and promote locally run enterprises while also testing projects such as cacao cultivation in Babeldaob. Public health reports noted links between filariasis and eye disease, particularly in Truk, calling for further study. A reprinted series by journalist Riley H. Allen described challenges in Yap, emphasizing land use, cultural expectations, and differing memories of German and Japanese rule. Additional short items included commendations for Trust Territory radio operators assisting in a search, and notes on economic activity in Ebeye, where anthropologist Jack Tobin was conducting a population and cultural survey.

Volume Two, Number Twelve (1954) Index: Administration 25 Catholic 21, 34 Congress 3, 16, 26 – 27 Ebeye 8, 22 Economic 4, 10, 15, 27 Education 19, 27, 30 Feeney 21, 34 Guam 1, 6, 13 – 14, 16 – 17, 19, 21 – 23, 34 – 35 Japan 1, 14 – 15, 17, 22, 26 – 27 Japanese 6, 10, 14 – 16, 18, 22, 24, 27 – 28, 30 – 31 Kusaie (Kosrae) 28, 30 Leynse 2 – 3 Naval 14, 27 Navy 16, 18, 27 – 28, 31 Ngatik (now "Sapwuahfik") 30 Ponape (Pohnpei)1, 6, 10, 21, 28, 30, 34 – 35 Spanish 11, 18 Status 3, 30 Truk (Chuuk) 25 United Nations 17, 26 Yap 5 – 6, 9, 11, 25, 28, 35 Yapese 5 – 6, 9, 12, 15, 35