Solomon Is.

Future

important Reconstruction Plans

BEFORE Lieutenant-Colonel C. N. F.

Bengough, Acting Resident Commis sioner in the Solomons, was reported missing from an aircraft on September 5, he was already grappling with problems of reconstruction as they would affect the Protectorate.

When war came to the Solomons, all commercial activity came to an end, and all Europeans not evacuated automatic ally joined the armed forces. Although, to-day, most of the Group has been freed from the Japs, it is not practicable for civilians to return, and the Administra tion itself has taken over the job of import and distributing agent. In this, the officials have the full co-operation of the Americans, who are providing ship ping space and goods under lease-lend.

The Administration is also assuming control of abandoned plantations and is considering a copra-production scheme, under which they will be worked by Government-organised labour gangs, as in liberated New Guinea.

At present, food shortage in areas lately freed from the Japanese is a seri ous problem: in one corner of Guadal canal it has been necessary to issue rations to the natives.

The Japs, apparently, had orders to live on the country, and they pillaged native gardens indiscriminately. The Administration’s aim now is to get these gardens into production again quickly and agricultural officers have been sent to the most devastated areas.

At the same time, the long view is being taken and efforts are being made

to discover new crops for which markets will be available after the war—crops that will offset the former total dependance on copra production.

Native Government

BEFORE the Pacific war, plans for considerably increased responsibility for the natives in local government, under a system similar to that of indirect rule, operating in some African colonies, in the Gilbert and Ellice Colony, etc., had been drawn up.

It is realised that it may be a long time before the natives will be capable of managing their local affairs to the extent indicated; but, in all liberated areas, increased native authority is being given, and is welcomed by the natives.

The first preliminary to further native emancipation will be the extension of educational facilities—in which the Solo mons has hitherto been singularly lack ing. The Administration reports that it has this matter in hand.

Future Administrative Centre

FOR many years there has been agita tion, in some quarters, for the ad ministrative centre to be moved from Tulagi to Guadalcanal: but an over whelming argument in favour of the retention of Tulagi was that the build ings there would have to be abandoned.

The buildings in Tulagi are to-day no more, and when the capital comes to be rebuilt, the choice of site can be decided with an open mind —and not be cramped by any narrow Colonial Office ideas regarding economy.

The “Lorna D,” famous home-made schooner belonging to Captain and Mrs.

Davidge, which they sailed from Van couver across the Pacific and back as far as Tahiti, is reported to be still in Papeete harbour. Procurement of many supplies needed for the rest of the return voyage has delayed departure.