Planters

"Islands” Minister

Mr. Chifley’s Interest in N.G.

From Our Canberra Correspondent CANBERRA, April 13.

FOLLOWING on the recent re arrangement of portfolios in the Federal Cabinet, the work relating to the Pacific Islands territories, which comes under the Prime Minister’s De partment, is being performed by the Minister for Defence, Mr. J. B. Chif ley. Mr. Beasley was formerly in charge of it.

Mr. Chifley has shown a particular interest in the welfare of the planters in the New Guinea territory, and dis cussed the position at length with the Administrator (General Wisdom) dur ing the latter’s recent stay in Can berra.

Many of the planters are in financial difficulties through no fault of their own, and the matter of rendering assistance where possible to them is under consideration.

The Minister also discussed the affairs of Papua with the Lieutenant- Governor, Sir Herbert Murray, during the latter’s visit to the capital.

Another visitor to Canberra has been Mr. W. Newman, Administrator of Nauru, who is on three months’ leave.