Radio Fees In Papua

"Courier” Editor Fights Federal Prosecution

From Our Own Correspondent.

Port Moresby, Dec. 22.

MR. E. A. JAMES, Editor of the “Papuan Courier,’’ is standing up to a prosecution by the Commonwealth Gov ernment for unlawful use of a wireless receiving equipment, not being the holder of a license from the Commonwealth.

This is a test case. Mr. James holds that the Commonwealth Government has no jurisdiction in the matter, and that there is no law in existence to compel Papuan residents to hold a listener’s license from the Commonwealth.

Mr. James’s counsel submitted long and learned argument to prove first, that the Courts in Papua have no jurisdiction in cases of offence against the laws of the Commonwealth, and secondly, that the Wireless Telegraphy Act does not apply to Papua.

At the close of the hearing the magis trate reserved his decision, which is awaited with interest.

On December 27, the Magistrate of the Court of Petty Sessions, Mr. W. J. Lamb den, gave his decision in favour of Mr. E.

A. James, The Papuan court accepted the argument that it had no jurisdiction in cases of offence against the laws of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth was ordered to pay £3 costs. Notice of appeal has been given.