New Regulations

Papuan Native Labour ———♦——— New Regulations Mixed Reception Among Commercial Interests

From Our Own Correspondent

Port Moresby, May 2.

THERE have been two regulations of the Government lately that have caused some comment amongst the planters, storekeepers and traders.

The first is, that guarantees for native labour contracts are, in most cases, not acceptable, and that it is now compulsory to pay native labour in advance, to ensure the native getting his payments, owing to the uncertain state of the different companies and plantations during the depressed conditions of the country.

The second regulation is that all natives are to be paid off in the districts they were recruited and to which they belong, and that no advances on their contracts are permitted while they are being employed.

These regulations are both in the interests of the natives, the second regulation ensuring the native his entire earnings when he reaches his home, amongst his own people, the first guaranteeing that he gets his money.

These new laws have caused inconvenience. In the first place it has been hard to find ready money to pay a considerable number of boys their wages in advance and their recruiting and signing-on expenses at the same time.

In the second instance some storekeepers and traders have relied almost entirely on the purchases of natives before leaving for their districts after the completion of their contracts.

However, it is hard to please every one. The outside trader welcomes the changes. He now eagerly looks for ward to “pay-offs” in his district.

Many natives are not entirely pleased with the regulations, especially those who do not wish to return to their homes to share their wages, and those who are disgruntled that no advances are allowed to them—which the new law prevents. Others, of course, are entirely satisfied and look forward to the dash they will cut in their villages while the money lasts.

It is compulsory for a native to return to his village after a period of five years’ service before making another contract. This is to ensure the consolidation and continuance of native village life, which, if broken up, would be disastrous to the Territory generally. ... ===