New Administrator

General McNicoll Takes Office in New Guinea

Rabaul, Sept. 2.

ACCORDING to present arrangements, the retiring Administrator, Brigadier- General T. Griffiths, will sail for the south by the Tanda on September 12, after a period of service that always will remain as a bright spot in the administrative records of this Territory.

Many efforts have been made to or ganise a public function here prior to the General’s departure, where the people may be given a chance of expressing the great respect and esteem in which he is universally held. Up to date, we have been defeated. The General, who is notorious for his detestation of functions of that kind, has succeeded so far in avoiding all that has been planned. But he is not likely to escape altogether from some demonstration of public goodwill- The new Administrator, Brigadier- General W. R. McNicoll, is expected to arrive by the Mataram on the date of General Griffiths’ departure (September 12), and he will be met at the wharf by a Native Police Guard of 50 men, and by the leading officials and residents of Rabaul, Members of the Legislative Council and heads of departments will meet their new leader at the steamer’s side. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at 10 o’clock the following morning, at the Legislative Council Chamber, in the presence of a represen tative gathering.

There will be a meeting of the Legis lative Council a few days later. The pre sent intention is that it shall be a very short session, devoted mostly to the pas sing of Supply. There are a number of important Ordinances for consideration, but it is felt that it would be better to defer this business for a little time, in order that the new Administrator may become familiar with the circumstances and conditions surrounding the various proposals.