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p. 30 · Read in the full issue
Urges Return to Murray System
A RETURN to the “Murray system” of controlling native labour was urged by the chairman (Mr. H. G. Carter; at the annual meeting of Cuthberts Misima Goldmine, Ltd., held in Sydney on April 27.
“Under the Murray system, which operated in Papua to the date of evacua tion in January, 1942, the Papuan native had ‘freedom’ of employment,” said Mr. .Carter. “He was not forced to enter into any service of employment. He could offer his services as a free labourer or under contract of service, or he could refuse to serve at all and remain in his village. The majority of Papuans pre ferred a contract of service (for 12 months or 18 months) known as the indenture system, because it offered them a feeling of security, with the Govern ment in the background to appeal to in case of any injustice on the part of the employer.
“In the present stage of his develop ment, the Murray system has been likened to the native’s Magna Charta. It acted as a guarantee of his rights and ensured a fair deal. That system safeguarded the rights of natives employed, as well as the employers, and this was well known to the natives, who valued it.
“The Murray system includes amongst its provisions; (1) Free transport for the native to and from his village and place of employment; (2) Free housing, cloth ing and food; (3) Free medical and sick ness benefits; (4) Regular inspection by Government officers at the place of employment and cancellation of the con
tract if the native is unsuitable for the job or for health reasons. These condi tions apply to all natives employed on contract of service.
“Your directors hope that this- import ant question will be given full considera tion by the Minister for external Terri tories before the Government’s policy is determined so that the humanitarian approach to the question is preserved, as well as the rehabilitation of the native himself and the Territory of Papua in general. If the reorganisation and repro ductivity of the Territory are to be accomplished within a reasonable time, the confidence and stability of the natives are imperative.
“The contribution to the war effort by the natives has been considerable and it is hoped that Australia’s appreciation will be shown in some practical and tangible manner, such as a thorough medical sys tem for the villages and the establish ment of non-sectional schools.