Beer Boycott

N.G. Miners on Warpath

THERE was a stir in Sydney on October 11, when it was announced that the New Guinea Mining Association had de clared a boycott against the two hotels in Wau, owned by Messrs. W. R. Car penter & Co., Ltd.; and that an extension of the boycott to the firm’s stores and flying services was contemplated.

It was explained that this course was being followed because members of the Mining Association believed that some action had been taken by Carpenter & Co., Ltd., to prevent the construction of the road between Wau and Salamaua.

It was stated that the miners were re fusing to drink beer, and that this was the first beer strike in New Guinea.

The principals of W. R. Carpenter & Co., in Sydney, took immediate action, and very strong representations were made to the Minister for Territories (Mr.

Hughes), and to Mr. C. C. Judd, who is at present representing the Mining As sociation in Australia.

Offer To Build Road

Sir Walter Carpenter told the “Pacific Islands Monthly” that he denied, in a most emphatic fashion, that any action had been taken by him, or any other person connected with his firm, to block the construction of the proposed road.

He and his associates were quite indif ferent as to whether the road was built or not. His firm, if given the opportunity, was quite prepared to build the road.

Sir Walter handed us, for publication, the following copy of a radiogram which he had that morning despatched to the manager of his firm in Salamaua: — “The following radiogram has been sent by Judd to Allan (President of the Min ing Association at Wau): ‘Have seen W.

R. Carpenter and am assured by him he is not opposing road. —Judd’.

“Judd also informed us that he felt that the rumour had been circulated by interested people. So much are we not opposing road that we have offered to build same immediately if Commonwealth Government will guarantee repayment over ten years of cost plus interest. Ad vise Miners’ Federation and publish this message.”

Sir Walter Carpenter also stated that he was having inquiries made forthwith in New Guinea and Australia with a view to ascertaining the source of the report that he or his associates were opposing the road; and, if he could obtain this in formation, he would commence an action for malicious libel.