Chinese Trade Stores

in Wau

Letter to the Editor I SHOULD like to make known certain facts re the Chinese trade store question, as it exists in Wau District at present.

From time to time, I had been assured by officials that when Chinatown was an accomplished fact in Wau, it would be the means of solving the Chinese trade store question. But, now, when China town has become an accomplished fact, there appears to be no move on the part of Chinese occupying key sites in Wau township, to shift into Chinatown proper.

This unsatisfactory state of affairs will continue so long as it remains op tional for the Chinese to move into Chinatown or remain as they are at present, scattered among the European population of Wau.

I am convinced that Wau Chinatown came into being only as a means of ab sorbing all the surplus Chinese that are continually arriving from Rabaul, and that the Chinese already established here have not the slightest intention of relinquishing their key positions. Ap parently, the New Guinea Administration is auite content to allow this state of affairs to go on indefinitely.

On the occasion of the Administrators recent visit to Wau, with the Minister for Territories (Mr. McDonald), I was given definite assurance that upon his return to Rabaul the whole question of Chinese trade stores, would be gone into most thoroughly and adjusted. So far. that nromise has not been fulfilled, and the Chinese, and Europeans “dummying” for them, are allowed to go on their way rejoicing. „ .

I might add that the average Chinese trade store in Wau, is a meeting place for all the worst native element of the Dis trict. In view of the Wilson crime perpetrated in our midst some little time back, one would be inclined to think that the Administration would do every thing in its power to have such a menace ps this removed as far as possible from the European quarter of Wau.

It would appear that one or two more crimes must be committed against Euro peans before the Administration awakes from its slumber.

I am, etc.,

A. G. Villiers.

Wau. New Guinea, October 1, 1941.