Another Appeal To Canberra

Territories Residents Reject Plan to Seek Relief in London

rE proposal that the European resi dents of Papua and New Guinea should appeal to Great Britain for relief from the indifference and injustices of Australian administration was not accepted by the members of the Pacific Territories Association, who attended a general meeting, in large numbers, in Sydney on September 26.

The motion was carried over from a general meeting in June. A long list of Territories’ grievances, and instances of Australian administrative muddling and misrule, was submitted in June, and it was proposed that the evacuated residents of the Territories should appeal for help both to Great Britain and the United States. The motion was defeated then, so far as it provided for an appeal to Washington; but its further consideration was adjourned until September.

The president (Mr. E. A. James), from the chair, said that a decision had to be taken by the meeting; but the executive was opposed to the motion.

DISCUSSION followed the lines of the previous meeting. Speakers were agreed that their treatment by the Australian Ministers was intolerable; but the majority believed that, if they clung to Australia, the Australian Government sooner or later would undergo a change of heart and would accord them greater consideration. Mr. Tex Thomas ex’pressed that view strongly.

A minority, among whom Mr. R. W.

Robson was prominent, argued that the Territories were entitled to an indepen dent life of their own, separate from Australia; and that they would have little chance of freedom and development so long as they were tied to the professional politicians and indifferent bureaucrats of Canberra.

Mr. C. I. H. Campbell moved that the motion be amended in such a way that it could be presented to the Australian Prime Minister, instead of the British Government, Mr. E. V. O’Brien suggested, as a- further amendment, that the case on behalf of the New Guinea and Papua residents be presented to the Australian Prime Minister in person, by a selected dele gation of the Association’s executive.

Mr. James (speaking personally, and not as chairman), said that every word in the original motion, which set out their long list of grievances, had been justified over and over again. They had been appealing to Ministers personally, and to Canberra generally, for Govern mental action in relation to their con dition, for two years—and they had got just nowhere. Nonetheless, he was opposed to any move which might take the Territories away from Australia—he still believed that it was possible to find justice somewhere.

The amendments submitted by Mr.

Campbell and Mr. O’Brien were formed into one motion, which was carried by a large majority. rE following report was submitted by the executive:

An Elusive Minister

With much regret we report very little in concrete results from our represen tations to the Commonwealth Govern ment during the past three months. We still have been unable to see the Minister for External Territories (Mr. Ward) on matters concerning the Territories. Mr.

Ward does not refuse to see us; but it is

unfortunate that, since February, he has been unable to spare the time for an interview, which interview we have re quested at frequent intervals.

An authoritative statement was pub lished recently about the early resumption of civilian life in Papua. We at once telegraphed Mr. Ward, expressing grati fication at this decision, asking details of the Government’s plans for rehabilitation, and offering our services to assist in solving the many problems inseparable from such an undertaking.

Unfortunately, it appears that the statement was “premature” (to use Mr.

Ward’s own phrase) and when the Gov ernment is likely to end the military administration of the territory appears still to be shrouded in mystery.

While we are cautious in predicting any likely action of Government, we do not believe the military control of the Terri tory can much longer be maintained in the face of accumulating evidence of the desirability of 1 a return to normal condi tions there. Nevertheless, in our opinion, it would be unwise to take any decisive steps in anticipation of an early return, in view of the apparent indecision of the Government. As soon as any authori tative announcement can be obtained on the matter, the Association will take steps to advise members.

Where Is Gold From Wau?

We have, for a very long time, attempted to obtain from the Depart ment of the Army details as to the where abouts of gold which our members were forced to leave at Wau in 1942.

In May, 1944, the Department supplied details of the shipment of these consign ments to Australia—details which have been proved incorrect, and the incorrect ness of which has been advised to them.

We are now informed that the matter is under further investigation.

The whole position regarding the gold is most obscure, but we hope, by con tinual probing, to get results and event ually obtain some redress for the owners.

Produce Prices

After many attempts, spread over a long time, we have at last obtained from the Department of External Territories details of the method of' compiling prices paid to planters for rubber and copra, and these details are now being studied by the planting representatives. A supply of copies of this information is available for interested members.

Production Control Board

Your Executive stressed to the Minister the need for the opening up of further plantations in Papua and New Guinea, under the same terms as those opened up in Papua in 1943, but, so far, without result. The usual reply to our sub missions was received—“the matter is re ceiving consideration.”

Gold Mining

After the return of Mr. Hinks from New Guinea, the Mining Sub-Committee requested the Executive to delay any further action in respect to the proposed maintenance unit for the New Guinea Goldfields, as they were of the opinion that such unit would not be of any prac ticable use at present.

War Damage Commission

We have kept in close touch with the Commission and good results are being

obtained. Claims are being assessed where possible and, in other cases, details are ready, so that assessment, when the extent of damage can be ascertained, can be made without loss of time.

Prisoners In Jap Hands

A Council of all bodies interested in this has been formed in Melbourne, and we have appointed Mrs. O’Brien to represent us and place our views before the authorities.

Executive Changes

Mr. C. I. H. Campbell has been elected to the Executive as representative of the planting interests of the Northern Solo mons. Mrs. Medrum has represented the New Guinea Women’s Club, Sydney, op the Executive in place of Mrs. Saunders, who has unfortunately been suffering ill health.

General

The necessity of advising members’ changes of address is urged.

The subscription fee for the first half of 1944-45 is due. The Executive asks all members to make every endeavour to bring subscriptions up to date.