Is There Too Much of "Dictatorship"

"Dictatorship" in New Guinea?

SOMEONE should make a protest about the cavalier way in which the Legislative and Executive Coun cils of New Guinea appear to be treated.

Those bodies surely have some respon sibility in the administration of the Ter ritory, and should expect to be consulted when such important matters as the copra industry, shipping conditions, development of new industries, suggested removal of capital, etc., are under con sideration. But the fact is they are not consulted as they should be—the Execu tive Council rarely, and the Legislative Council virtually not at all.

In the British Crown Colonies, the Executive Council, or a similar body, near to the Governor, has a most import ant function to perform, in a consulta tive and advisory capacity. It is a sub ject of comment, in inner circles in New

Guinea, that the members of the Execu tive Council feel that they are being ignored.

At meetings of the Legislative Coun cil, members give of their best—a perusal of the official report indicates that it is always helpful, and should be of value to the Administrator. One is struck by the note of sincerity that runs through the utterances of all members, especially those described as “unofficial”. But the regard in which “Hansard” is held “at the top” is indicated by the fact that, though the last meeting of Council was held in September, the report was not published until the end of January.

Public-spirited citizens in New Guinea can be -excused for saying that the

Administratorship has now become a Dictatorship, and that it is only a waste of time to take any active interest in public affairs.

This is a matter worthy of attention of the new Minister, Mr. Collins, when — and if—he visits the Territory in March.