Evacuees
pp. 9-13 · Read in the full issue
Problems Of The Territories’
Minister's Assurance That "Matters Will Receive Consideration"
AFTER months of official shilly-shally ing and delay, in the course of which evacuees despaired of ever inducing anyone in authority to give some attention to their economic plight, a deputation from the Pacific Territories Association at last succeeded in obtain ing, on September 7, an interview with the Minister in Charge of Territories (Senator Fraser).
The members of the deputation were: E. A. James (president). N. C. Nelson (vice-president). C. A. M. Adelskold (sec retary), T. L. Sefton, W. M. Middleton, T. Nevitt, J. Hinks.
Mr. J. R. Halligan, Secretary of the Department of External Territories, was present with the Minister.
The deputation sought official action concerning a large number of matters, which may be grouped under four gen eral headings—namely, compensation for war damage; the plan of the military administration to take control of plan tations and operate same, on a basis of paying the owners a percentage on the assessed capital value; the non-payment of moneys due by the Defence authori ties and by the Territories Administra tions: and the matter of planning for conditions in the Territories after the war.
War Damage Compensation
rE deputation pointed out that seri ous losses to residents of the Terri tories would be suffered as a result of looting, wilful damage, and consequen tial damage (depreciation, fire, etc.) not now covered under the National Security (War Damage) Regulations.
The Minister stated that inquiries now were being made into the matter of loot ing and wilful damage, and an early report was expected. He promised that the Government would give consideration to the question of amending the War Damage Regulations, or providing some other method of affording cover against these losses.
The deputation asked that where dam age could be proved, tentative assess ments be made as early as possible by the War Damage Commission, in order that claimants might be credited with interest as provided under the Regula tions, and that contributions might cease; that refunds of cbntributions be made, where paid on property subsequently found to have been taken over by the Government, or for other reasons un insurable; that War Damage contribu tions be advanced or deferred where pro
perty had been taken over by the Defence authorities or where owners were without necessary funds.
On all these matters the Minister promised to consult with the War Dam age Commission and where possible assist evacuees.
Mr. Halligan stated he thought the matter of deferred payments of contri butions had been arranged.
The deputation said that quite re cently the Association had been informed that deferrment was not possible.
Property Control Order
THE deputation asked whether further consideration could be given to the Association’s proposals regarding the control of plantations and other pro perty in the Territories, already submit ted to the Federal Government.
The Minister said that consideration was now being given to the question of the control of properties and that, sub ject to the military position in the Ter ritories, proposals would be formulated in this connection. He agreed that own ers and other interested parties were entitled to know of, and to comment on, any such proposals, and that the Asso ciation would be informed as early as nossible. when such proposals were being formulated.
As regards compensation to owners, the Minister was asked whether anything had been under consideration; and, if not, whether this matter could be de cided, apart from the general question of property control.
The Minister replied that, in his opin ion. this could only be dealt with as part of the whole matter of control.
The possibility of owners being per mitted to send to the Territories persons authorised to csrry out necessary work for the protection and maintenance of plantations, mines and other property, was raised.
The Minister said that this might be possible if such persons were members of the AMP. He would inquire into the matter.
Slow Payment Of Accounts
THE deputation very strongly urged that unreasonable delav had taken place in the payment of moneys due to Territories’ residents by the authorities for goods sold and impressed, for rents and services, for motor vehicles and ves sels taken over, etc. It was pointed out that comparatively large sums were due to many evacuees, and had been due for periods of up to seven and eight months, and that this in some cases was causing unnecessary hardship. It was stated, in regard to vehicles taken over, that what were considered by owners to be totally inadequate values were placed on these by the authorities; and, when a protest was made, that was the last heard of it.
The Association, long ago, had suggested these accounts be dealt with by some officer in Sydney: and it again asked that this be considered.
The Minister stated that he believed that some undue delay had occurred in the payment of accounts, and he would take the matter up with the Departments concerned. He asked the Association to give him a list of persons awaiting pay
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ment of interest on these overdue accounts.
The deputation was informed that this request would be noted, but it was not thought likely that the Government would agree.
Asked about the possibility of an early distribution of money to those persons who had shipped produce to the New Guinea Copra Board, and which produce was subsequently lost by enemy action, the Minister said that all necessary claims had been submitted to the War Damage Commission for the copra lost, and that consideration was being given to the possibility of an advance being made against such copra.
The deputation asked that the War Damage Commission be urged to expe dite the assessment and payment of these claims, and this the Minister pro mised to do.
Regarding accounts still due by Terri tories’ Administrations, the deputation was informed that the Commonwealth Government is at present collecting all possible data concerning the liabilities of the Administrations, and it is hoped that it will soon be in a position to consider payment of such liabilities.
Post-War Planning
THE deputation informed the Minister that the Association most certainly was not confining its activities to the present disabilities of evacuees only, but felt that an important part of its functions was to assist in planning for the post-war administration and devel opment of the Territories. In this con nection, the deputation handed the Minister a memorandum.
The Minister said he agreed as to the necessity of early planning for . future administration and development, and that consideration was already being given this matter by the Federal Gov ernment. He agreed that those with interests and long experience in the Ter ritories had a right to have their opin ions considered in any such planning, and that the assistance of the Associa tion would be of great benefit to the Government.
He added that he would keep the Association informed on this matter and, in the meantime, he suggested the Asso ciation prepare notes for consideration by a research board which was now compil ing information on the subject. These notes could be forwarded through the Secretary of his Department.
The Minister was thanked for his care ful attention to the submissions by the deputation, and for his promises of assistance.
In response, Senator Fraser said he was very pleased to have met the Asso ciation’s representatives, and he assured them of his sympathetic assistance on the matters put before him and also in any future matters the Association might wish to bring to his notice.
Monsieur Henri David, Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, died in the Colonial Hospital, Noumea, on July 19, aged 74.
Rev - F- O. Theile, DD, representative of the Lutheran Missions, working in New Guinea, recently underwent a series of operations in Brisbane, and has now re covered.
The death was reported recently of Madame Leuis Evalis, of Noumea, New Caledonia. Madame Evalis came to New Caledonia in 1873 and, by her fine pion eering work, did much for the advance ment of the Colony, where she was held m great esteem.