Plea for New Guinea's

Half-castes

(A Letter to the Editor) I HAVE been following with keen interest various articles that appear from time to time in Australian papers advocating educational schemes for native races in Papua and New Guinea (Mandated Territory).

It is regrettable that no mention is made in those articles of the future wel fare for the unfortunate half-caste.

The general opinion that prevails everywhere throughout the Pacific Isles, as far as I can see, is that the “half caste inherits the vices of both races (European and native), and the virtues of neither.” That, to the best of know ledge, is without foundation.

They have also been unfortunately classed«as “Bush Lawyers,” in an article I read some months ago in “Wings,” a RAAF magazine.

Yet, on the other hand, I have seen a published statement to the effect that, given the right educational background, they would make worthy citizens. Fur thermore, it was stated that the old tag about the “vices and virtues, etc.,” has been scientifically proved by experiments to have no foundation whatsoever.

There is, to the best of my knowledge, only two denominations —thaT is, the Anglican and Roman Catholic —in the Territory of Papua who have a school set separately aside for the benefit of half caste children and orphans. Both mis sions concerned have done well, consider ing the small financial aid put at their disposal for this work.

Events in the past five years have proved that a higher education scheme should be introduced for all scholars in those particular schools. Outstanding pupils should be sent to schools in Aus tralia to continue their studies, as is the case with Tongans, Samoans, Fijians and other Central Pacific people.

But the missions referred to cannot aff&rd to introduce such a system yet, unless an interest is shown by the Aus tralian Government, and financial aid given for the purpose.

HALF-CASTE children have been brought into this world through no fault of their own —especially in

these times, with our armies occupying Australian Island Territories for in definite periods.

The half-caste problem in Australian Island Territories has not decreased —but has increased a hundredfold. It is a problem that should be tackled by Aus tralian politicians who are keen to prove their humanity to the world.

I am, etc.,

John Douglass De Gurse.

Vilerupu, Papua, July 12, 1945.