"Officialdom"
p. 30 · Read in the full issue
Madang As Capital
Of New Guinea
Residents Fearful of Rabaul "Officialdom"
From Our Own Correspondent
T Madang. Aug. 1.
HE possibility of Madang being made the capital of New Guinea does not meet with the complete approval of local people. It seems to be the general hope of everybody in the district that the Administration will look elsewhere for a suitable seat of Government, despite the benefits gained by having the Admini strative centre here.
The main reason for this opposition to the so-called “elevation” of Madang is undoubtedly the dread of Rabaul “official dom,” and the introduction of Rabaul methods in dealing with natives and native labour. It is not necessary here to expound what a curse this can be!
Should the Administration decide to make Madang their headquarters, it will be necessary for planters and others in this district to have the Administrator explain fully the Government’s policy in regard to the administration of natives and native labour. At present we are enjoying a regime which, although slightly inclined towards the native, has proved quite satisfactory to all concerned.
Nothing would be gained in any way by the Administration introducing a “pam pering policy.”
However, Madang residents are of opinion that the Administration will fol low where the “big firms” go, and, there fore, they cannot do better than watch their movements.