Warm Praise For PTA

Letter to the Editor 1 EXPECT to leave here shortly for Malaya with a Red Cross Refugee Relief Unit, as Assistant Commis sioner.

In case I decide to stay in Malaya, I should like to thank you for the un stinted aid which the “PIM” and you personally have given in fighting for us ex-Territorians, in the battle against the Australian Government for some com pensation and redress. . . . Many thanks —it’s been a long, hard, road since that day in April, 1942, when I called on you to ask your assistance in launching the Pacific Territories Association'.

The PTA has done a magnificent job.

Words fail to express my admiration for the whole-hearted way in which the Exe cutive have tackled every problem put to them, and for the manner in which, again and again, they took it on the chin from the lads in authority, while both the Australian press and the public were completely apathetic in all matters relating to the Territories. The Execu tive worked in harmony, and always for the general good. We were extremely lucky in getting a man like Mr. E. A.

James as president. His qualifications would make him an outstanding per sonality in any groun. “Boss” Adelskold as secretary, Dick Laws, vice-president Norman Nelson, George Aumuller. Claude Campbell, our friend Hinks—to show how lucky we were in getting a team like that I need only mention that, for four years, they never failed to hold their weekly meeting, to do what they could for the unhappy “evacuees.” We shall always admire them for their moral courage—the greatest of all —in carrying on their fight for the Territorians. We owe the PTA a debt no payment ever could liquidate.

Perhans in future, and more happy, days we shall be able to look back and view the political set-up in New Guinea with less rancour than that which burns us up at present.

Until our next happy meeting— Vamahula!

I am, etc.,

Clem W. Kirke.

Melbourne.