Initially referred to as The Pacific Writers' Club (due to wartime censorship restrictions), the Solomon Islands Writers' Club was formed by members of the Australian Second Corps during their stationing in the Solomon Islands. The Club first met under the guidance of Sergeant Jim Sweeney with the patrons being Lieutenant-General S. G. Savige and Brigadier Vowles. Sweeney was the inaugural president, followed by Arthur Thomas.
The Club published the magazine The Quill, ran competitions and, with the termination of hostilities, 'assumed special responsibilities in regard to rehabilitation.' Short stories were read at regular Club meetings and money dispersed to those who contributed as well as 'for the best items read during the month.'
(Source: 'Solomon Island Writers' Short Story Competition', Arthur Thomas. Angry Penguins no.[9], July 1946, p.2)
