Salamaua V. Lae
p. 34 · Read in the full issue
How Shipping Co. Was Treated
AN outstanding example of the ideas which dominate the administration of New Guinea was provided recently when the Burns, Philp steamer Neptuna was on her way south from Asiatic ports.
The Neptuna had to call at Lae, as well as Salamaua; and it was most ur gent that she should make the quickest possible time to Sydney. The B.P. man ager at Salamaua therefore asked the District Officer at Salamaua whether, in the special circumstances, it would be possible to allow the Neptuna to enter at Lae (instead of at Salamaua, which is the official port of entry) and then go on to Salamaua, and thence southwards.
This would have saved the company several hours. The company was pre pared to send the necessary officials (medical officer, customs officer, etc.) from Salamaua to Lae, at its own ex pense.
D.O. Taylor, who, as well as being an efficient officer, is a most reasonable man, said he could see no objection to the proposal; but that of course he formally would have to advise Rabaul.
Messrs. Burns, Philp and Co. accord ingly made arrangements to enter the ship at Lae, and radioed the Captain to that effect.
But, on the eve of the ship’s arrival, there came a radiogram from Rabaul containing a flat refusal to allow the Neptuna to enter at Lae —she must go to Salamaua in the usual way. So, of course, the ship had to go to Salamaua, and the company’s plan to save time, for the reason referred to, had to be abandoned.
This is typical of the pin-headed bur eaucracy which is causing so much trouble in New Guinea. Commercial interests and planters, with growing fre quency, are voicing complaints against the Administration; while statements made privately by New Guinea officials indicate that there is considerable and growing discontent within the N.G.
Public Service.
The Administration’s decision to send the Neptuna to Salama-ua is, of course, linked with the recent incident wherein the Administrator cancelled his charter of the Lockheed aeroplane. It is lill part of the Administration’s campaign against the Lae airport, in favour of Salamaua.