Minister in Charge of
p. 16 · Read in the full issue
W. M. Hughes
Minister in Charge of Territories
COME Lttle surprise and a great deal of pleasure were expressed in the Western Pacific territories, when it was announced at the end of November that the Right Hon. W. M. Hughes, P.C.— Australia’s famous wartime Prime Minister—had accepted the portfolio of External Affairs in the new Federal Cabinet and would be the Minister in Charge of the Territories.
Nearly always, in former Cabinets, the charge of Pacific territories has been
given to an Assistant Minister or to a not very conspicuous minister. The de cision to place External Affairs and Ter ritories in charge of a statesman of the experience and ability of Mr. Hughes was taken as a compliment by the Ter ritories—and especially by the returned soldiers.
Actually, however, it is a rather significant development. It indicate)
recognition of the fact that the Pacific territories are of supreme importance to Australia in relation to foreign affairs and defence, in that they lie directly across the path of any possible invasion from Asia and must be held securely.
This, we hope, means, as a necessary part of our secure hold on the territories, that Australia will undertake vigorously the obligation to encourasre European settle ment in Papua and New Guinea.
The New Hebrides
It may be taken, also, as likely, that at an early date the relationship of Australia towards the Condominium of the New Hebrides and the Protectorate of the Solomon Islands will be more clearlv defined. The plan under which Australia would accept direct administrative responsibility in the New Hebrides is certain to be revived.
A man of broad vision like Mr. may be expected to see the Pacific pic ture from the Australian standpoint much more clearly than it has been seen in the past. It mav even be no^ibl o + ' > hope, now, that something will be don' 3 to orpqte a tropical administrative corns to look after Australia’s administrative obligations in New Guinea, Pnnua. the Northern Territory, New Hebrides.
Nauru. Norfolk Island, and (we hope) the Solomons.
Rev. and Mrs. C- Steley, of Notting ham, England, arrived in Papua with their infant son during November to ioin the staff of the London Missionary Society.
Mr, P. Paramore, who recently re signed from the Samoan Constabulary, arrived in New Zealand by the November I.laui Pomare.
Rt. Hon. W. M. Hughes, P.C.