Administrator States The Position

Position

We radio’d Rabaul and asked if we might be advised of the actual position, and, on Septem ber 18, the Administrator very courteously sup plied the following statement:— “The Administration, seeking a site for a possible aerodrome, caused a prelimin ary survey to be made of possible avail able land in the vicinity of Matupi.

“The natives protested, on the ground

that the alienation of further lands would interfere with their food supplies, and were exercised because marks indicating a survey had been placed.

“An officer, detailed to make a full in quiry into the position, is domiciled in the village, and his report is awaited.

“The native representations were made in orderly fashion, and no incident is known which might suggest a revolt.

“The normal procedure to acquire land, by making a preliminary survey and then to negotiate for purchase, has been fol lowed in this instance.’’