Outlook For Ng

Natives

Will They be Harmed by Economic Development?

rE effect upon New Guinea natives of the economic development of their country was the subject of an address given recently by Dr. lan Hogbin (lecturer in anthropology) before the Geographical Society in the University of Sydney.

Dr. Hogbin pointed out that a twofold problem presents itself to Australia in administrating New Guinea. Firstly, Australia has bound herself to secure the well-being of the population: while the task of exploiting the natural resources of the country is regarded by many Euro peans almost as another moral duty.

The question arises; Are these two things incompatible?

Dr. Hogbin said the answer to this question is closely interwoven with land and labour distribution in New Guinea.

It is a fact that, in the past, native properties were taken over by Europeans for various reasons, without even con sidering whether these areas were essen tial to the local population’s food supply.

Similar mistakes are rarely made now; but, before alienating any land, an offi cial investigation should be made to ascertain its food-supply value. The use of large tracts is necessary under native methods of “shifting agriculture.”

As to indentured labour, Dr. Hogbin said that It was claimed that this was the best and easiest way of introducing the natives to European civilisation. This, of course, was a fallacy, because the native sees and learns very little of “civilisation” by working on a planta tion. He makes no real acquaintance with Europeans, who, in many cases, do not even bother to speak to him in cor rect Pidgin English. Furthermore, any hygiene the natives learn from contact with white men, is of little use, simply because they cannot apply it when they return to their villages. Finally, meth ods of agriculture, as applicable to European conditions, and as used by European planters are obviously of little practical value to the natives for grow ing their own crops.

Again, the effect of the indentured labour system on the native community is not beneficial. The young men leave the villages during their best years, with a resultant decline in birthrate. When they ultimately return, many of them show a lack of discipline and obedience to the elders of the community, which is such an essential feature of a healthy native community.

Epidemics are still prevalent on both plantations and goldfields, despite the fact that the various authorities have guaranteed to look after the well-being of the natives, insofar as decent living and working conditions are concerned. Edu cation, as a whole, is discouraged, and all sorts of excuses put forward—but the real reason is undoubtedly the fear of what native demands might follow edu cation. To most Europeans, the natives are only a source of cheap labour; and so health and education schemes are regarded as harmful.

As for the importation of coolies, Dr.

Hogbin explained that an idea of the ultimate effect of this scheme could be gained by studying conditions in Fiji, where Indians nearly outnumber the Fijians, and probably will do so in the near future.

The exploitation of native labour and the promotion of native welfare are incompatible. Australia will either con tinue to exploit New Guinea, irrespective of native welfare; or alternatively, she will leave the natural resources of the country untouched, until the time comes when the natives are capable of using those resources for their own benefit.

Dr. Hogbin concluded by stating that the latter course undoubtedly was the fairer, despite strong opposition from various quarters, which have but little interest in the well-being of the natives.

Mrs. Dorothy Fleming, younger daughter of Major and Mrs. Swinbourne, formerly of Fiji, and the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony, presented her husband, Lieut.

Talbot Fleming, AIF (returned), with a daughter, at Manly, NSW, on May 16.