N. Guinea Properties

Military Will Pay

Rent On

rE Pacific Territories Association has, after three years, at last been given satisfaction on the question of rents of properties occupied by the armed forces in Papua, New Guinea and Thursday Island, for which evacuees have hitherto been paid nothing.

The PTA was informed early in April that Cabinet had decided to pay periodic compensation for occupation of premises, the compensation to be assessed on the general lines adopted in the Northern Territory and based on interest on capital value, plus outgoings. Depreciation will also be considered.

The Commonwealth will also be respon sible for all damage during the occupa tion except fair wear-and-tear. Any other unusual items of loss or damage will also be considered.

The assessment of the War Damage Commission will be accepted as the prin cipal guide to the values of the struc tures. It is not intended to compensate for occupation of land or plantations except where structures were used.

The assessment will be done by Mr.

Alderman, KC, in conjunction with the War Damage Commission, and all pay ments will be made through that Com mission. There is no need for any claim ant to communicate with either Mr.

Alderman or the War Damage Commis sion. When compensation is assessed, claimants will be communicated with direct.