Back To Rabaul?

NG Administration In Awkward Position

OWING to the proximity of Jap bases in the Marshall and Caroline Is lands, the Australian Territory of New Guinea is in the front line of the Pacific war; and the conditions of life there have changed vastly since the Japanese attacked British and American countries on December 7.

A heavy additional burden has been thrown upon the administrative staffs of New Guinea and Papua—a burden made no easier by the fact that a number of members of the female staffs (secretaries, typists, clerks, etc.) have gone to Aus tralia. The public officials have “turned out trumps”, however, and have earned the gratitude of the civil population for the manner in which they have carried out their duties.

New Guinea’s administration was in a very awkward position when war broke out —it was engaged in the change-over of administrative headquarters from Rabaul to Lae. Some departments were at Rabaul, some at Salamaua, and some at Lae, with the Administrator.

The Administrator (Sir Walter Mc- Nicoll) and Lady McNicoll, who had just taken up their residence at Lae, returned to Government House, Rabaul, in December; and, so far as is known, they are still there.

Presumably, if the present threat to New Guinea is removed, the transfer to Lae will proceed, as planned. If there is a long hold-up, the departments may return to Rabaul. Since the cessation of the south-east trade wind, and the com ing of rain, the Matupi dust nuisance has gone, and life in Rabaul is tolerable again.