Federal Election And

Effect On Territories

YI7E go to press on the eve of the ** Federal general election. Not for decades has such complete public indif ference been shown—and indifference like this usually favours the Labour Party. In this case, however, the dis turbed condition of the world, and the obvious need for a strong defence policy, in close co-operation with Britain, may cause the return of the Lyons Govern ment.

In either case, there is likely to be active interest by the new Parliament in Pacific Islands affairs. New Guinea may receive attention —an effort being made to get past the guard which the Country Party for years has set about Rabaul—and the New Hebrides plan may be proceeded with. Papua may be left alone, so long as the redoubtable Sir Hubert Murray remains in charge; but if he should retire, there will be a really horrible scramble among politicians and their favourites. Therefore, an effort may be made by the better elements in the new Parliament to establish some better system to control the more important Territories appointments.