Village Councillors
pp. 31-32 · Read in the full issue
System Adopted In Rabaul
From a Special Correspondent
Rabaul, Apr. 21.
’THE organisation of native Village Councillors in the Rabaul district has met with marked success.
It is encouraging to note that they have already shown understanding and appreciation of the methods applied for the beginnings of simplified self-govern ment. It is reported that as soon as their understanding increases beyond the ex perimental stage, the Government will consider conferring some definite auth ority upon the councillors.
That the system of native Village Coun cillors can operate successfully has al ready been shown in Papua, where it has been established for over 10 years. The system was adopted there with the object of giving the Papuans an opportunity of taking part in their own administration, and obtaining some understanding of its objects. They are selected by the village
people and their duties are to advise the District Magistrates of any matters which they think will be of advantage to the people.
Within the last few years the Papuan Councillors generally have been of mar ked assistance in explaining to the com munities the advantages of Government measures for the natives’ improvement.