New Policy in Australian
pp. 5-6 · Read in the full issue
Pacific Territories
AS large a measure of amalgamation as is practicable is to be introduced, as between the administrations of the Australian Territory of Papua, and the Mandated Territory of New Guinea. For tifications and defence units are to be placed in Papua. One administrative centre for the two territories, preferably inland, is to be sought. A policy will be formulated for the encouragement of new primary industries and of new European settlement.
In fact, most of the things which Aus tralia should have been doing in her tropical territories during the past 20 years now are to be done. Details are given on page 9.
The announcements have come with such rapidity that many people are be wildered. They ask what it all means, and the reason for haste. For 20 years, these tropical territories have been the playthings of professional politicians; they were voteless, and important only as a means of providing highly-paid positions for Canberra job-hunters. They have been, for innumerable years, under
the control of unimaginative Ministerial automatons like Sir George Pearce. Once or twice, a young and industrious Min ister has been given “Territories”; but, as soon as he tried to introduce a real colonial policy, he was hunted out by scandalised bureaucrats. The situation was not improved by the vicious system of appointing untrained men to the highest posts in the territories.
These recent, startling changes are the result of Canberra suddenly being confronted with the most urgent prob lem of defending Australia against Jap an, and realising that Papua and New Guinea are a vital part of the defence plan: and of the portfolio of “Territor ies” being handed over to Mr. Harrison, a young man with vision, driving-force and conspicuous administrative ability.
"Amalgamation” will be resisted, on many grounds—the chief being that the two territories have been so differently governed that they now are far apart, and it will be most difficult to reconcile their administrative machinery, finances, superannuation schemes, native policies, and so forth. Those difficulties have been made by men, and men can sweep them away. It is absurd to argue that two areas of New Guinea (plus adjoin ing islands), exactly similar in physical conditions, in climate, in native races, in industries, and in health conditions, cannot be controlled with greater effi ciency by the one organisation.
There is need for the greatest care in one direction, however. During the 30 years in which Sir Hubert Murray has governed Papua, there has been evolved in Papua a native policy which is a model for all countries. Sir Hubert, combining scientific knowledge with vis ion, patience and administrative skill, has helped the natives of Papua to meet and adapt themselves to “Europeanis ation”, and thus has preserved their racial virility and their spirit. Condi tions are not so good in New Guinea: and, if the frontier barriers are to be lowered, it is most important that the Murray native policy shall be protected and shall continue. Otherwise, the most creditable thing in Australia's record of Pacific Islands administration may be destroyed.