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Important Regulations Affecting N. Guinea and Papua

IMPORTANT regulations affecting the legal and administrative position in relation to the Territories of Papua and New Guinea (which have been under military administration since February 12) were issued on August 7 by the Commonwealth Government under the National Security Act. They relate to the powers of the officials of the Pacific territories, and make temporary provi sion for carrying on administrative responsibilities.

The effect of the regulations is to vest in the Minister for External Territories all the legal powers and functions pre viously vested in the Administrators and officials of Papua and New Guinea; to provide that such Administrators and officials shall not be entitled to exercise those powers or functions while they are on leave of absence; to authorise the Minister to transfer to any person whom he may select those powers or functions; and to permit such selected persons to take the place of Administrators and officials, who normally are the only people permitted to exercise such powers and functions, according to the special laws of the Territories.

The jurisdiction, powers and functions, in relation to civil matters, held and exercised by the Supreme Courts of Papua and New Guinea on February 11, 1942, are transferred to the Supreme Court in Canberra, “as if the Territories of Papua and New Guinea formed part of the Australian Capital Territory”.