Consideration"

Eddie Ward's "Sympathetic

SHORTLY before September “PIM”

went to press, Mr. White asked the „l ni^ er . for External Territories (Mr. Ward) in Parliament, at Canberra,

certain questions relating to the present

and future of Papua and New Guinea.

Answers were not forthcoming in time

for inclusion in September issue.

For those Territorians who are in

terested, the questions and Mr. Ward’s

enlightening answers (from “Hansard”)

follow: Mr. White asked the Minister for External Territories, upon notice: 1 —Has Cabinet yet considered the suggestion for abolition of the system of indentured labour m New Guinea and Papua, or has the proposal been abandoned? 2.—Are evacuees from New Guinea and Papua to receive any assistance from the Government m the re-establishment of their homes and businesses? 3.—:ls the small sustenance allowance given to those persons who left the Territories at the time of the invasion and were without resources on their arrival in Australia still to be regarded as a loan? 4.—ls the damage indirectly due to war to be regarded as a claim against the War Damage Compensation Fund? 5 —WiH sympathetic consideration be given to the claims of evacuees, most of whom have now been in Australia for more than two years?

Mr. Ward: The answers to the honourable member's questions are as follows: I.—No, This question is listed for con sideration by the sub-Committee of Cabinet which deals with matters relating to the External Territories. 2,3, and 4.—These matters are under con sideration. s.—Sympathetic consideration will continue to be given to claims of evacuees.

The Revs. Dennis Taylor and Luscombe

Newman, of the Anglican Mission, expect

to return to Papua ixiimediately.