Life in the Solomons

Lecture by Dr. Firth

DR. RAYMOND FIRTH delivered a lecture to members of the Geo graphical Society, Sydney, on March 10, on “White Man and Native in the Eastern Solomons.”

In an area of 11,000 square miles, he said, there were about 150,000 natives and only about 500 white people. The protectorate was divided into districts governed by officials under the Resident Commissioner. Education was imparted wholly by missionary societies. The regulations governing the recruiting of labour were very efficient.

The lecturer expressed the opinion that it would be beneficial if adminis trative officers who had to rule the native people were given preliminary instruction regarding native customs and fundamental principles.