Below is the second of Ken Stone's many writings about his experiences of Sierra Leone. This article entitled Sierra Leone Transport - 1892 Style was originally submitted to The Voice.

SIERRA LEONE TRANSPORT - 1892 STYLE

In1963 I went to live and work in Basingstoke. It was then a market town of 20,000 people and had a church of the Countess of Huntingdon’s Connexion in the centre which my wife and I attended. It was quite well supported but we did not particularly enjoy the services. This was not because of the local members, who were welcoming and friendly, but their services were very formal and built around the Prayer Book, whereas we were accustomed to Free Church Gospel Services.

Our disappointment did not last long. Basingstoke was being developed as a 'New Town'. Housing estates were thrown up and light industries introduced. (By the time we left in 1973 the population had grown to 100,000}. In order to provide stores and other facilities the whole of the town centre was re-developed which meant that the site of the Countess’s church was required and the church was pulled down.

It had stood in Wote Street, just below a jewellers owned and run by 90+ years Mr. George Willis. Why should I mention such an obscure fact? It is because Mr. Willis (or his son?) made a visit to Sierra Leone in 1891-2, accompanied by his minister, the Rev. B.W. Adams.

Years ago two letters written by Mr. Willis from Sierra Leone came into my possession. Although both are addressed to Annie, they are similar. One of them, which was submitted to The Voice, is printed out below:

From Waterloo, Sierra Leone, 28 January 1892.

Dear Annie,

'Your letter arrived yesterday and very welcome it was. I had heard only once from home and was looking out very anxiously for the postman. Today I have received one dated the 6th and hear that Nelly has arrived in Bristol. Postal arrangements are not as at home and we live 21 miles from the post office and get letters about once a week. I have just heard there is a chance of being able to send a line, so have set to work to scribble this to you.

Sierra Leone is a beautiful place as far as vegetation is concerned but it is hot in the middle of the day, when we stay indoors and read or sleep. We generally rise at 5am and think of bed at half past 8. We are enjoying first rate health and could not be better I think although the Colony has such a bad name. The capital, Freetown, is a very unhealthy place. We have lots to do and a good many people call to see us, sometimes a dozen will come in to shake hands and have a talk. The little children are very pleased to be taken notice of. They have prayer meetings every morning. On Sundays I give addresses in our different churches and the people pay great attention.

'The manner of conveyance is novel. We are carried in hammocks, on men’s heads. Our first such journey was 21 miles Freetown to Waterloo when the road nearly all the way was thronged with people and children from the different villages through which we passed, to greet us with songs and dances and carrying palm branches.

'The river is infested with alligators. We went down in a boat but did not see one. Last Sunday afternoon I was sent for as there was one to be seen in the wharf on a bank. So off I went and saw it but it was only about 6 feet long. Several people have been killed by them.

'I trust Fred’s cold is gone away. Influenza is bad in the neighbourhood of Basingstoke and many are seriously ill. The weather is wintry. Here the thermometer reads 80 degrees at 5am when I am getting up. When it goes to 72 it feels very cool as it has a few times. I hope Nelly is enjoying herself as I should if in her place. I sent her a postcard with good wishes for her birthday.

'Had a splendid voyage - no storm or roughness, only a little swell the first few days. Have been here half my time, must now prepare for returning. Probably by Feb.16 shall leave here. Cannot describe much in a letter like this - must come and see you on my return.

'There are many genuine Christians here and prayer without ceasing for our safety has for a long time been made - as well as at home and truly we have had a wonderful time of it. I must now conclude - with love to each and best wishes for the New Year.

I remain your affectionate brother, George W. Wiliis'