Guinea
p. 22 · Read in the full issue
How to Get Land in New Guinea System That is “Merely a Gamble”
(Contributed.) TN the remarks attributed to Hon. George H. Murray, M.L.C., New Guinea’s Di rector of Agriculture, in the P.I.M. of January, two theories are advanced by this gentleman, as to why investors from Australia fight shy of planting enter prises in T.N.G.
Whilst these reasons are of unquestion able influence in the manner indicated, they are trivial when compared with the diffi culties attending the acquisition of land from the native owners.
Here is a resume covering the purchase of land for planting purposes in the Ter ritory, as is in operation to-day.
Mr. “A” arrives at Rabaul, intending to secure an area of, say, 2000 acres for agri cultural purposes. No person can direct Mr. “A” to any part of the country where he can be assured of getting this area.
Hence, Mr. “A” goes logically to the two offices where a stranger might find such
information —the Department of Agricul ture or the Department of Lands. No officers at either of these Departments can definitely state that land is available at any point in the country; but Mr. “A : ' can be advised to try the natives, say, at Bongi—on the north coast of New Britain, Accordingly, Mr. “A” proceeds to charter a schooner and gather a few stores, and ultimately arrives at his destination. His requirements are made known to the native luluai, or chief, through possibly the captain or owner of the schooner.
We assume that after ten days he has been successful in acquiring the promise of the local native landowners to sell a portion of ground required. Mr. “A” then proceeds to identify this area by marking trees at the four corners of the property, and lodges his application with the near est District Officer.
This official, in due course, inspects the area, and reports to the Land Board his opinions as to whether the area selected can be sold by the natives, without depriv ing them of garden space and hunting grounds. On this officer’s report hinges the whole transaction, for the Land Board, to a great degree, will be influenced by his decision.
We assume that the application is re fused. on the grounds that the sale would deprive the natives of valuable garden and hunting areas. Mr. “A’s” losses to date would then total as under: Fares (return to Australia) .. . £5O 0 0 Schooner charter, 8 days at £5 per diem 42 0 0 Month’s residence in Rabaul .. 30 0 0 Trade goods 20 0 0 Total £142 0 0 The existing system of land purchase— i.e., dealing with the native, more or less with one’s hat in hand—is decidedly wrong, and is considered the greatest deterrent to enterprise.
Were it possible for a representative to arrive at Rabaul and" inspect and select an area known officially to be available, then obviously the representative could return to Australia and place something definite and tangible before his backers. As it is, the existing system is merely a gamble, and offers few attractions to prospective agriculturists.