Frequent Raids in N.G.

From Our Own Correspondent

Rabaul, May 21.

THERE are still repeated reports con cerning the movements of strange craft in our territorial waters.

These vessels are frequently seen at the most distant groups, where there is an abundance of trocas shell, and also where there is no speedy vessel to apprehend them, so that enquiries about their identity can be made.

At Buka last week a strange, large and speedy schooner-like vessel was sighted under way on the east coast.

Japanese Ashing vessels have already called along the east and north coasts of Buka, and have carried away trocas shell. In some cases the natives have remonstrated with the illegal fishers, for it is understood that in many cases the reefs have been abso lutely stripped of shell, even to the smallest sizes. Not only is this poach ing detrimental to native interests, but

is also a danger in regard to public health where a vessel, without having passed pratique, lands its crew. Some action by the Federal authorities is immediately necessary. The Adminis tration should be provided with some means of speedy transport, either on sea or in the air.

EDITORIAL NOTE. —Our correspondent points out another good reason for the immediate apprehension of these poachers —that of the danger of disease their crews might spread among natives while ashore. Other reports of poach ing by mysterious vessels, and the proposed means to put a stop to it, are dealt with else where in this issue.