Rabaul Citizens’

Protest

Against Growing Incidence of Native Crime

Rabaul, Dec. 2.

CONVENED by Mr. J. C. Mullaly, M.L.C., a public meeting- of nearly 250 local residents, of whom 50 per cent, were women, last night adopted a resolution “viewing with alarm the growing incidence of crimes and attempted crimes by natives against European women and children.”

The meeting urged the New Guinea Ad ministration “to introduce the most drastic measures, if necessary by amendment of legislation, to combat the menace.”

Expressing apprehension at the con tinued lack of discipline among natives in their attitude towards Europeans, the gathering deplored “the present inadequate methods of the Administration in dealing in particular with charges laid against natives for minor offences.”

The following committee was appointed to investigate and draw up recommenda tions: J. C. Mullaly, Dr. N. Watch, G.

Thomas, G. Furter, R. D. Clark, F. O.

Greenwood, H. J. Washington, D. S. Hore- Lacy, J. T. Allan, J. Edwards, V. Penne father and Capt, Duncan.

It subsequently decided to form a “Citi zens’ Association of New Guinea,” and to make certain recommendations to the Administration.

These recommendations include “the appointment of a thoroughly qualified expert from the British Colonial Service to take control of the Native Affairs Department of the N.G. Public Service and lay down a comprehensive native policy for the Territory; the appointment of a police magistrate, conversant with native customs and language, to replace the present office of Stipendiary Magistrate to deal with native court cases in the Rabaul District; the banishment to an isolated area for 10 years of any native convicted of crimes and offences against European females; the introduction of more drastic punishments against such offenders; provision for whippings ordered by judges against these offenders to be carried out in public in the presence of other natives; greater discretionary powers than at present for District Offi cers and police officers in their investiga tion and punishment of minor offences committed by natives; and the rigid en forcement of pack drill, and of regulations relative to ‘loitering’ by natives within township boundaries.”

Mrs. F. Stewart, of the Hotel Bulolo, Wau, New Guinea, and her son, Moresby Gofton. Mr.

Gofton and his cousin, Mr. Baldie (formerly of Papua) recently joined the Royal Air Force.