Melb. Ng Association

Enters Fourth Year

NEW GUINEA clubs which have func tioned in Australia since the out break of the Pacific war, and which had prisoner-of-war funds, must, now that it is known that few internees will return, consider what is to be done with the money collected. The question was discussed at the fourth annual general meeting of the New Guinea Women’s Association in Melbourne on November 10, and it was suggested that a scholar ship fund would be a fitting way of perpetuating the memory of those men who will not come back.

Financially, and in service to evacuees and others, the Association, many of whose members have suffered personal loss with the sinking of the “Monte video Maru,” has had a very successful year. Donations of almost £lOO were made to various charities; the POW fund has a credit balance of £687, and the general fund £7l.

During the year, through Mr. Cham bers, Federal member for Adelaide, ques tions were asked in the House on allot ments to wives of civilian internees; rehabilitation of civilian internees and NGVR personnel; the return of evacuees to New Guinea; and the right of Ad ministration officers in the hands of the Japanese to apply for positions in the Provisional Administration which were formerly held by them in the old Ad ministration.

Results of these questions have, as usual, been negligible, but they have at least helped to keep New Guinea and its former residents in the public mind.

During the year bundles of comforts and reading matter were sent to New Guinea Servicemen, but during 1945 the despatch of ordinary comforts was dis continued.