Demands

Prosecution of N. Guinea Demands Big Companies Asked for Financial Support

A MEETING, held in Sydney in mid- October, was attended by representa tives of firms with interests in New Guinea, and it was asked to consider a proposal by Captain H. T. Allan (repre senting various New Guinea organisa tions) “that financial assistance be given by firms operating in New Guinea to en able the work of New Guinea Associa tion to be carried on”.

It was explained to the meeting that the aims of New Guinea Association were to present to the Government and press all matters which affect New Guinea as a whole, and to ensure that such repre sentations are promptly attended to. It was stated that the following matters had been submitted to and were under con sideration by the Government:— The adequate defence of New Guinea.

The safeguarding of all stores, wharves, aerodromes, hangars, workshops, power houses, etc.

The internment of German nationals now in New Guinea.

The revision of the gold tax recently passed.

Other objects now being considered in New Guinea, it was reported, included the question of native labour; and im proved communication and transport be tween Australia and New Guinea.

It was pointed out that the Associa tion was spending £5O per month on office salaries, publicity, etc., in New Guinea, and that in the past twelve months an amount of £1,200 had been spent.

It was stated that the following twelve Associations were represented at the meet ing in Rabaul, when it was decided to form the New Guinea Association: Planters and Traders’ Association; Rabaul Business Men’s Association; Rabaul Citizens’ Association; Returned Soldiers’ Association; New Guinea Mining Association; Madang Citizens and Pro gress Association; Miners and Citizens’

Progress Association of the Sepik District; Lae Citizens’ Association; AI.P., Wau Branch; Namatanai Independents; Kavieng Amalgamated Associations; W.

R. Carpenter, Ltd.

Those present at the meeting in Sydney included Mr. Kruttschnitt and Mr. T.

McCulloch (New Guinea Goldfields, Ltd.); Mr. Torrington (Sunshine Gold Mining, Ltd.); Mr. L. V. Water house (Bulolo Gold Dredging, Ltd.); Mr. Wallis (W. R. Carpenter & Co., Ltd.); and Mr. H. G. Hyde (Sandy Creek Gold Mining, Ltd.), in addition to Captain H.

T. Allan and Mr. Fulton.

Most of those present commended any public movement within the Territory which would assist development and strengthen defences, and the activity of Captain Allan was praised.

The meeting reached no decision. Some of those present urged that caution be exercised in dealing with Canberra, so as to avoid giving the impression that the Federal Government is being ap proached over the head of the Adminis trator.

On November 14, Captain Allan was busy with military duties. His associates in the New Guinea organisation expect ed that interesting announcements about New Guinea affairs would be made when the Federal Parliament met, about No vember 16.