Editorial Note

We endorse, heartily and sincerely, every word that has been written by our contributor about Sir Hubert Murray.

There is no doubt that many people covet the position of Lieutenant-Gover nor of Papua; but we think that the at titude of the Commonwealth Government is clearly indicated in the following ex tract from Parliamentary reports of December 5, 1934: Mr. Beasley (West Sydney}: I direct attention to newspaper reports published recently to the effect that it is the intention of the Government either to ask for the resignation of the Adminis trator of Papua (Sir Hubert Murray), or, failing his resignation, to retire him from his present position in order to appoint in his stead the honour able member for Parkes (Mr. Marr), who, it is understood, will resign his position as Assistant Minister at the conclusion of the visit of H.R.H. the Duke of Gloucester. This is a live issue in political circles, and I think I am expressing the opinion generally held, not only in the Common wealth but in the Territory concerned, that Sir Hubert Murray is the most capable Administrator who has served the Commonwealth in any of its Territories. Residents of Papua are, I believe, deeply perturbed by the rumour. I understand that they are prefectly satisfied with the present Administrator whose fairness and ability are not questioned. They feel that nothing should be done to disturb his tenure of office.

Mr. Casey (Assistant Treasurer): The honourable member for West Sydney (Mr. Beasley) mentioned reports which have apeared in certain newspapers to the effect that arrangements were to be made for the retirement of Sir Hubert Murray, the Lieutenant-Governor of Papua. Every one who knows Sir Hubert will agree with the honourable member’s testimony as to his ability and experi ence. I have no knowledge of any such intention as he has suggested.

For a time, there was abroad a general belief that Sir Hubert Murray himself, having reached an age exceeding 70 years, desired retirement; and speculation was based on that. But we have not met one person who personally knows Sir Hubert Murray—and this includes Federal Ministers —who says that Sir Hubert ought to retire. On the contrary, every one, without exception, is of opinion that the Lieutenant-Governor, despite his years, retains all the physical activity and mental alertness which have dis tinguished him during his career; and that these qualities, added to his vast experience, broad vision and fine judicial mind, make him still the ideal Adminis trator of Papua.

The Territory, under his guiding hand, has qome, almost unscathed, through a depression which crippled some South Seas communities: and now, with copra recovering, rubber in a good position, and more than a likelihood of a profitable gold industry being established, the economic outlook is improving every day. If Sir Hubert is willing—and apparently he is —to remain at the helm in Papua for a few more years, then Papua is fortunate indeed: for there is a possibility of rapid developments there, and it is in the highest degree desirable that there should be in control a man of skill, ex perience and unchallengeable honesty of purpose, capable of handling the “get

rich-quick” commercial interests which, probably, will come snarling into the Ter ritory as soon as they discern the smell of gold.

Captain George Kerr, an old identity of Thursday Island, died recently at Brisbane, Queensland. In the early days he was a well-known pearler in Torres Strait, and later was master of the Gov ernment vessels Albatross, White Star, and John Douglas. Captain Kerr was a foundation member of the Torres Strait Lodge.