Lower Rates

Demanded

Food and Transport in N. Guinea

THE activities of the New Guinea Min ing Association of Wau were ex tended to the Rabaul end of the Territory in no uncertain fashion on August 26, when a public meeting, organ ised by Messrs. H, T. Allan and N. P. H.

Neal, considered plans for introducing to the territory a system of co-operative buying and independent shipping. It was pointed out by various speakers that the movement was a reaction against recent sharp increases in commodity prices and transport freights.

Mr. Allan, in addressing the meeting, said that his Association was making strong representations to the principal New Guinea firms in the hope of obtain ing better terms. If that were not pos sible, the Association would make new and better arrangements. He declared that it was in a position to immediately commence the importation of rice (food for native labour) and to organise inde pendent transport. So far as Morobe was concerned, they would do their own air freighting if the companies did not re duce rates. He urged that Rabaul and other districts should form similar or ganisations, with similar objects.

Several speakers, including non-official members of the Legislative Council and leading business men. supported Mr.

Allan, and it was decided to call a general meeting, with the object of forming a body to co-operate with the Mining As sociation.

The meeting demanded that the Terri tory should have some representation in the Commonwealth Parliament and that additional banking facilities should be pro vided.