Sharp Answer

N.G. Administrator to N.G.

Goldfields Chairman

From Our Own Correspondent.

Rabaul, Mar. 3.

S~TATEMENTS made by the chairman (Mr. Blaikie Webster) at the annual meeting of New Guinea Goldfields Ltd. in Sydney in February, were referred to by the Administrator of New Guinea (Brigadier-General W. Ramsay McNicoll) at the opening of the Legislative Council to-day.

“I would not be doing justice to this Council if I refrained from referring to this matter.” said the Administrator. ‘‘One realises that the chairman was faced with difficulties in explaining to the shareholders the absence of a divi dend for the second successive year; but one cannot accept his reiterated state ment that the whole fault lies at the door of the Administration.”

Continuing, the Administrator pointed out that the Council had passed mining ordinances in 1935, prepared by mining experts. Later these had been submitted to all mining managers for comments and suggestions, which, where possible, had been embodied. The ordinance made pro vision for the protection of human life.

It was significant that the company had been recently twice fined for breaches of the ordinance. In each case a native had been fatally injured.

The Administrator referred to the very

low rate of royalty charged on gold ex ports—namely, five per cent. He was sure that the Council would agree with him in expressing regret at the tone of the report.

Mr. W. E. Grose strongly endorsed the remarks of the Administrator. He sug gested that an investigation should be made into the actions of New Guinea Goldfields Ltd.