Editorial Note

Port Moresby residents repeatedly say that the Papuan Government is doing nothing to establish a water scheme. We v ave been able to secure the following facts from official sources: September, 1926 Sir Hubert Murray asked Canberra if an application for a loan would be considered.

October, 1926 - Canberra replied that they must examine the scheme first.

Mr. Gutteridge, Commonwealth Engineer, arrived in Papua that year and made his report; also Mr. Hollins in 1928.

July, 1928—Sir Hubert again inquired about water scheme. Canberra replied that they must first have report by Mr.

H °in! nS \/r- . e Minister received Mr. Hollins’ ro Marrb n 1 qoQ 6^ tv/t p r - ’ tvt* • ? ir Murray saw i? Ca ? be J ra ,: “ boUt and the ether 6 f ° r * Hubert found he colld nit |et both so he abandoned the water loan The old wharf was literally falling to pieces After this came the depression when it was impossible to obta.A anything. Immediately the depression lightened, the Papuan Government applied for a loan for the water scheme also for an officer to advise about construction. In August, 1937, the Papuan Government radio’d inquiring if the application for a water loan had been considered. In October, 1937, Canberra advised that the matter was being considered, and Papua asked for an expert to advise on route and probable cost.