General Griffiths.

Adminstrator’s Term Extended.

IT was announced in Canberra at the end of December that the term of appointment of Brig.-General T.

Griffiths, Acting Administrator of New Guinea, had been extended six months, until June 30, 1933.

The announcement gave satisfaction in New Guinea, where General Griffiths is held in great respect and esteem.

The question of making a per manent appointment to this position must shortly be faced by the Federal Cabinet, as the term of Brig.-General Wisdom (who has been on long leave) finally expires on June 30. It is an awkward subject for Cabinet, as the position is one very difficult to fill and there is no one in sight who represents an obvious choice. The wish of resi dents of New Guinea inclines definitely and emphatically towards General Griffiths; and if there is any govern mental hesitation in that connection it is only because General Griffiths has now reached an age that, in the Public Service, is regarded as representing retirement.

It is known that General Griffiths is not personally anxious to remain in Rabaul; but Rabaul opinion seems to be; “We want Griffiths and no one else.

As for age, the General is a darned sight better man at 65 than the great majority of us were at forty.”