Voiceless New

Guinea

Formation of Citizens' Central Body

EARLY in September, a meeting was held in Rabaul of delegates repre senting the principal public asso ciations in the Territory. Amongst those present were Messrs. H. T. Allan (Morobe Mining Assoc.), H. Taylour (Morobe Chamber of Mines), E. Fulton (Wewak Progress Assoc.), B. Spence (A.L.P., Wau), N. P. H. Neal (R.S. & 5.1.L.A.), D. Hore- Lacy (Citizens’ Assoc.), W. E. Grose (Planters’ Assoc.), R. L. Clark (R:S. & 5.1.L.A.), and letters of support were re ceived from the Namatanai Independents, Buka and Bougainville Planters’ Group and the Madang Progress Assoc. Repre sentatives of commercial interests were also present. Mr. H. T. Allan was elected chairman.

The meeting was the result, chiefly, of the activity and organising energy of Mr. Allan; and its purpose was to bring all groups of residents together in one organisation, so as to deal more effec tively with public affairs.

It was emphasised that, apart from the Legislative Council —which is dominated by the official nominated members —the residents of New Guinea have no voice whatever in their Government. It is felt that, as the Australian Government does not permit any important move in New Guinea without its permission the New Guinea residents should demand a re presentative in the Commonwealth Parliament.

It was decided to form a central body, to be known as the New Guinea Asso ciation, to work in close co-operation with the various organisations in the Territory.

It is likely, now, owing to the outbreak of war, and the departure of Mr. Allan southwards to seek war service, that the New Guinea Association will remain in active for the present.

Planters Ask For Relief

The New Guinea Planters’ Association held a special meeting on September 22 to discuss the rise of prices in all com modities.

It asked the authorities to introduce

immediately anti-profiteering legislation;

to control inter-island transport charges; and to approach the Custodian of Ex propriated Properties with a view to amending the instalment scale for pay ment on plantations, owing to the in creased costs of production and the low price of copra.

Miss Byrne has completed her term of nursing service with Apia Government Hospital, Samoa.