Advisory Council.

Early Constitution Likely in New Guinea.

SEVERAL matters connected with the administration of the Territories of New Guinea and Papua demand the personal attention of the Federal Min ister in Charge of Islands Affairs (Major C. W. C. Marr) and Major Marr had intended to visit the Territories by the “Macdhui,” leaving Sydney on June 30.

So many Ministers will be absent from Canberra during July, however, that Major M'arr found it impossible to arrange for his absence for five weeks, and had reluctantly to abandon his plan. It is very likely, however, that he will make a quick visit to the Terri tories in September or October.

The Minister wishes not only to dis cuss plans of administrative re-organ isation with leading officials concerned; but he is also anxious to consider on the spot the whole question of a Leg islative Council for New Guinea and the most effective steps that may be taken to stimulate the development of the Territories’ natural resources. It is felt that since the Territories are so fortunately placed in regard to primary resources, abundant labour supply and light taxation, they will offer oppor tunities sooner than the more closely settled countries of Australia and New Zealand for private enterprise and the investment of personal capital once the economic depression begins to lift.

The present Federal Government seems to be determined to revive and encourage private enterprise in develop mental activities during its term of office, whether in Australia or its Ter ritories.

Ever since Australia took over the Territory, in 1921, there has been a de mand for the appointment of a Legis lative Council, or Advisory Council, through which the wishes of Territory residents may be presented directly to the Administrator. There is no ma chinery in existence now by which this may be done. The Administrator, with in the limits imposed by the Federal Government, is a benevolent autocrat.

It is a system that cuts right across the principles of democracy—but it has worked very well —and no one who has lived long in Australia has any faith in democracy, anyhow.

The appointment of a council with legislative powers probably will not be regarded as feasible in a territory held under mandate; but the creation of an Advisory Council at an early date may be taken as certain. The method of appointing that Council is the real problem to be settled. What is wanted is a Council representing the several interests planting, trading, mining, missions and public service, for in stance —rather than a number of men elected by the now indigenous popula tion as a whole.

The matter is entirely open and will be settled by discussion; but we fore cast a council eventually that will be so constituted as to represent particu lar interests: apd partly nominative and partly elective, as in Fiji.