Native Orgies on Morobe Goldfield
p. 17 · Read in the full issue
From Our Own Correspondent
WAU, Dec. 4.
UNCONTROLLED “sing-sings” still con tinue on the goldfields.
Legislation in respect of these orgies by native labourers was promised in July; but, up to the present, nothing has been done. The local police are doing what they can; but their power does not go beyond apprehending natives in the town who are out after hours without a pass.
Nothing more can be done until special legislation gives power to act outside the township area.
If these things happened anywhere near the seat of government, this legis lation would have been in operation ere this.
Employers of large lines of indentured labourers are complaining about their hospital bills, much of which cost they attribute to illnesses caused by exhaust ion and exposure during the week-end orgies. Employers must pay no less than 3 - per day for their natives under hos pital treatment.
Police Act At Last
WAU, Dec. 8.
An amendment of the Native Adminis tration Regulations has been made; and, acting under their new authority, police last Sunday, at 5 a.m.. broke up a “sing-sing” at Narmie.
It is believed that the natives now understand that “sing-sings” are tabu.
The usual tribal gatherings, such as at Christmas and Easter, will be permitted.
Mr. J. D. McComish, South Seas tra veller and botanist, who has been living on Norfolk Island for several years, re turned to Australia by the “Morinda” in November.