Australia's Stake In

New Guinea

Amazing Development-Need for Preferential Tariff

Mr. J. F. Jennings, M.P., leader of a Federal Parliamentary Party which re cently visited Papua and New Guinea, very courteously has supplied us with the following summary of his impressions.

HOW little is known by Australians of the important Australian territories of New Guinea and Papua is one of the first impressions gained from a visit.

The investigation and study of native problems, trade conditions, health mat ters, the air service and gold conditions, the travel of some 200 miles in Guinea Airway’s aeroplanes, the inspection of the goldfields, with the many interviews with business, shipping and mining men, planters and Government officials, on many of the problems raised, gave our

party an immense amount of information which it is hoped will be of value in fu ture discussions and legislation.

One was greatly impressed by the re markable N.G. air service, and the aero plane journey from the coast over the mountains. Few can visualise this Wau ’drome, with ’planes coming in and going out like taxi cabs. The goldfields popula tion must be the most air-minded people in the world. They fly in planes with the same unconcern as Sydney people ride in trams. The remarkable air trans port system, carrying goods of all des cription, is one of the world’s marvels.

A great air tradition has been built up by these Australian air pilots, of whom Australians must feel proud.

We will see an air service eventually from Australia to New Guinea and Papua.

There are no insuperable distance dif ficulties.

You face up to the mammoth difficulties of road construction in New Guinea when you travel up Edie Creek Road to Edie Creek. The cost given to us of the con structed portion of it (12 feet wide) was approximately £4000 per mile. The cost of maintenance on mountain roads here, with heavy rainfalls and landslides, must be a huge one. It would appear in con

sequence that transport generally must be confined to aircraft.

One is impressed, in Wau, with the many active citizens who show efficiency, energy and resource, anxious to help on the progress of the district. Building con struction is going on apace there, with an abundance of suitable timber in the vicinity. With its rapid growth, Wau should be a most important town in the territory.

We had evidence at an Edie Creek home that modern science has made most things possible, with moving pictures of the Wahgi tribe, and with music from a 15-valve radio set, connecting with the world’s broadcasting stations.

We had many good reports of the work of the Administration in Papua, where Sir Hubert Murray, with his sound policy and great knowledge of the natives, has done much for the advancement of Papua.

There were good reports also in New Guinea, where General McNicoll has already visited so many centres and is carrying on the work with zeal and efficiency.

One was particularly interested in the development of the coffee and cocoa in dustry in New Guinea, and the claims that the products were equal to the world’s best. There appears to be a good future for these two products in Australia.

Under a 10 per cent. General Tariff, Australian trade is subjected to severe opposition from foreign countries. On last year’s figures, out of a total of N.G. imports of £924,000, Australia supplies goods to the value of £375,000.

What Australia has she must hold; and goods, of course, must at least be the equal to those of foreign competitors. The territories are half way to the East and Australian traders would do well to check up on their business in these parts and at least prevent the trade from being taken by other countries.

There is justification for a preferential tariff being imposed in New Guinea in favour of British goods. As far as Aus tralia is concerned, she has splendidly developed the country, controlled the na tives and shown the world she has faith fully fulfilled her trust. Australia is en titled to a trade preference.

The need for a modern survey of the waters surrounding the territories, as well as along the coast of North Aus tralia, was impressed upon us.

There are unlimited possibilities for ex tended tourist traffic in New Guinea and Papua. The innumerable attractions suitably advertised would bring profitable results.

The primitive and fascinating villages near Port Moresby: the wonderful island of Samarai, set like a gem in the centre of the Pacific, with a profusion of tropi cal foliage and shady avenues; the beauty of Rabaul, with its shady trees, gardens, remarkable hot springs and sur roundings; the goldfields of New Guinea; the modern air transport system, one of the world’s wonders; the numerous tropical islands and the primitive life of the natives —these are only some of the main features that can be mentioned in a brief survey.

Australia must always control New Guinea and Papua. Trade and commerce there are valuable; but, for strategic reasons, Australian control is imperative.

Mr. R. A. Clinton, mining engineer for Lakekamu Goldfields (Papua) Develop ment N.L., arrived in Sydney from Port Moresby by the August Montoro.