Constitution

Pta To Amend

Proposals to be Submitted to Meeting on March 20

WHEN the Pacific Territories Associa tion meets in Sydney on March 20, it is proposed to discuss amendments to the constitution and rules in order that the Association may function after the return of civil administration to the Ter

ritories.

In view of the announcement by Ex ternal Territories Minister E. J. Ward, on

March 9, regarding the resumption of

civil administration in Papua and as far as the Markham Valley in New Guinea, there may be some modification .of the proposed amendments which have been drawn up tentatively by the PTA execu tive. Members have been acquainted with the proposals in the following circular: In order to make preparation for the Association to function effectively after resump tion of Civil Administration in the Territories, it is considered necessary to amend the Con stitution and Rules at once, on what may be termed a “Federal” basis rather than on that of a single unit. The proposed new set-up, briefly, is as follows: The Association to be divided initially into two main branches, one each for New Guinea and Papua with provision for the subsequent formation of other branches if necessary.

Each branch shall be governed by an Executive elected annually by the members of such branch, such executive to consist of Chairman, Vice- Chairman, and one member each representing planting, mining, commercial enterprises, public service and missions. Territorial branches shall have all powers of action on matters affecting their own Territory only and with their local Administration.

The branches, annually, shall elect members of a Central Executive which shall consist of President and Vice-President elected respectively and alternatively by the New Guinea and Papua branches; and two members elected by each branch.

This Central Executive alone shall conduct all business of the Association with ‘the Common wealth Government, and if and when there be any amalgamation of the Administrations of two or more Territories, then with such territorial administration. The Central Executive also shall appoint and direct an Australian Executive to look after the interests of the Association in Australia.

The subscription to the Association shall be £1 per annum for the first member in any family and 10/- per annum for each and every other member of that family applying for mem bership. Of all subscriptions collected by branches, 50 per cent, shall be paid to the Central Executive which shall pay its own ex penses, all expenses of the Australian Executive, and assist any branch or branches as it deems necessary.

It is proposed that the new Constitution, if passed, come into force immediately the Commonwealth Government announces its in tention to permit Civil Administration to resume in any portion of the Territories. Upon such announcement, the Executive of the Association then in office shall appoint two branch Executives and a Ceptral Executive, the officers of which shall hold office until general meetings of mem bers of the branches can be called to elect new officers—such meetings to be held within 6 months.