The Future Of New Guinea.

THE Japanese newspapers, in January, carried reports that Germany, in forthcoming conversations with Britain, would seek the return of New Guinea.

This has inspired a series of articles in Australian newspapers, written by very ill-informed people, who argue superficially about the value of New Guinea to Australia.

There obviously is not the least like lihood of New Guinea being returned to Germany while (a) Japan retains pos session of the Marshall and Caroline Islands; (b) the control of New Guinea is necessary for the defence of Australia against a powerful and aggressive Japan.

Mr. H. E. Smythe, District Engineer, Suva, accompanied by Mrs. Smythe, left Fiji for England by the February “Niagara”.

Rev. Geoffrey Voss, of Gasmata, New Britain, arrived in Sydney by the “Macdhui” on March 6. He is a mem ber of the staff of the Melanesian Mission.