Moratorium.

Continued In New Guinea.

THE Federal Government has decided that, in view of present conditions, it will not now proceed with its plan of charging the New Guinea purchasers of Expropriated Board plantations with in terest as from January 1, 1933.

Various representations had been made recently to the Minister and the custodian, and the latter, displaying a very fair and reasonable spirit, revised their previous decision.

On March 6, the editor of The Pacific Islands Monthly sent the following tele gram to Major C. W. C. Marr, Minister in Charge of Territories: “Latest communications from Rabaul indicate increasing alarm over expro priation plantations finance and term ination moratorium. In view of copra’s present disastrous price and world’s dis turbed financial condition, respectfully suggest would be graceful, welcome act if Cabinet could resume moratorium, at least until copra returns to paying rate.

Regards.—Robson.”

A telegram in similar terms was sent also to Mr. Thomas, Custodian of Ex propriated Properties.

On March 8, Mr. Thomas courteously replied in the following terms: “Your telegram, copra position, New Guinea. Government has decided not to insist on payment of interest for pre sent.”