N.G.’s Progress

Administrator's Review at Opening of Legislative Council.

From Our Own Correspondent.

Rabaul, Feb. 15.

OPENING the N.G. Legislative Coun cil on February 10, the President (Sir Walter McNicoll) referred to the progress made in the Territory in the last five years. Revenue, he said, had increased by 57 per cent, to £481,000, ex penditure by 64 per cent, to £460,000, and external trade by 104 per cent, to £3,864,- 039.

During the five years ended June 30 last the white population had increased by 1,515 to 5,881. In the same period the counted native population had increased by 152,463 to 542,394. Indentured labour ers had increased by 13,653 to 40,259.

In the Supplementary Estimates, the Treasurer asked for £ll,OOO more to meet expenditure incurred following the recent eruption, bringing the total sum provided for this purpose to £40,000.

At the beginning of the financial year, the Treasurer said, the surplus for the year was estimated at £40,000. Not withstanding the eruption, this surplus was still expected as the result of in creased revenue, import duty, and the sale of Coronation stamps.