New Hebrides

Pessimism

THE following are extracts from a per sonal letter to the editor, written by a New Hebrides planter who has been 20 years in the group:— “Conditions are much the same in this Government-forsaken group, “We few British planters still linger on in the hope that something may hap pen, which will, at long last, at least put us on a level footing with the natives.

“To quote an instance: The French supercargo on the Burns, Philp steamer ‘Mirani’, came ashore here, and quoted the following prices for copra: French, £ll/12/-; native, £10; British £7.

“This kind of thing hardly tends to make one proud of being a British sub ject in this group. It means that one must either try and push oneself in as a native, or lose at least £3 per ton.

“I am often told that as my copra is unquestionably British, I must put up with the consequences. So that is that, and it often makes me wonder what I fought for in the Great War.

“If the administration of the New Hebrides can be taken as a fair sample of British colonisation, then the sooner she hands over ex-German possessions and, saves face, the better for all con cerned.

“There are rumours floating around that Australia might take over Britain’s share in the administration of this group.

Again, I must admit that I am sceptical, as I presume Australians would fashion their tactics on the lines laid down by Britain. Still, they are of a younger country, and might learn by experience, and might not be so tied up with hide bound tradition, and might try to keep pace with the French in the matter of colonisation and assistance to settlers, and so justify their right as partners in the Condominium”.