Little Tin Czars In Port

Moresby

Widow's Property Seized Without Notice

From Our Own Correspondent

Pt. Moresby, April 26.

PUBLIC opinion in Port Moresby has been aroused over the arbitrary re sumption for defence purposes of the private property of a resident, without adequate notice or adequate compensa tion by the Commonwealth, under National Security Regulations.

The resident, a widow, relied on her property for her means of livelihood, and her summary eviction without immediate compensation will cause her serious loss.

It appears that, under existing law, tenants and owners of houses can be summarily evicted, if the buildings are to be demolished, and without immediate compensation.

As one correspondent, in the “Papuan Courier”, states; “I do not know if there is anyone here strong enough to make himself heard at Canberra, but I am sure that if all the facts were brought to light, this Nazi style of doing things would be checked —more especially in view of the fact that 18 months ago we heard rumours of what was going to happen. Surely, in that time, houses could have been provided for everybody. The methods being employed now are, in my opinion, nothing short of scandalous, and deserve all the publicity possible”.

The first intimation received by the owner that her property was to be de molished, was the arrival of workmen to cut down trees and remove her fence.

That resumption of land may be necessary is readily understood by resi dents, but eviction under these conditions will not be tolerated.