Papuans Seek Compensation For Aerodrome Site
pp. 67-68 · Read in the full issue
Aerodrome Site
Port Moresby, July 13.
IN the Central Court this week, Mr.
Justice Gore reserved judgment after hearing evidence in the action brought by natives of Kila Kila (near Port Moresby) against the Administra tion, seeking compensation for land re sumed as an aerodrome site. They claimed £5O per acre for 71 acres.
This land, and a smaller area on Rouna Road, was leased from the natives by the Government in 1937 for a term of 10 years at a rental of 6/- per acre.
Early this year when the Government found it necessdry to resume the areas, the native owners objected strongly, on the grounds that they need the land for gardens and that access to their present gardens is impeded by the necessity for walking round the aerodrome.
They claim also that the land, when resumed, was of high value as an aero drome. and that, without resumption, the buildings, etc., would revert to them at the end of the lease.
Warrant Officer G. M. Hill, of the N.G. Police Force, arrived at Rabaul in July en route to Salamaua where he is stationed. He has been in Australia on leave.