Imperial Conference

New Hebrides

Indefinite Discussion at

A PROPOSAL that Australia should assume responsibility for Britain’s share in the administration of the New Hebrides- (which is a Condominium, con ducted by France and Britain) was dis cussed at the Imperial Conference dur ing the month.

But, when the Conference- ended, noth ing had been agreed upon. It is be lieved, however that discussions will continue between the Governments of Britain, France and Australia.

The irresponsible section of the Aus tralian newspaners which seems to reach extreme heights of silliness and inaccuracv whenever it deals with Pacific affairs—reported that a transfer had been agreed unon: that Australia would establish “a semi-dinlomatic Com missionershin” in the a-roup: that the British officials would be replaced by Australians: and so on.

One priceless kite-flier announced that “Australia was to become the ultimate administrative headouarters for all Frn nire possessions in Pacific;” and that “th e next move will be to incornorate Fiii. which can be far more conveniently administered from Canberra than from London.” The latter statement was so ridiculous and fantastic that other news napers took the unusual course of con tradicting it.

If the journalist had spoken of the Solomons, instead of Fiji, he might have been a little nearer the mark. Every argument which can be nut forward in favour of Australian administration of the New Hebrides can be applied also to the Solomons. The Solomons have not been mentioned in reports of Imperial Conference discussions; but it can be taken as probable that the future of both the Hebrides and the Solomons are under consideration, and not the Hebrides alone.

Eating the Apple.—An event in the Coronation Day sports in Port Moresby. Beryl Mustard was the winner. (Gibson, photo.)