Norfolk Island

New Administrator For Norfolk Island Another Political Appointment

ITIHE appointment of Mr. Alex Wilson, X MP, as Administrator of Norfolk Island, was announced in Australia on November 23. He will replace Sir Charles Rosenthal, who will retire at the end of this year.

Mr. Wilson is an Independent whose influence has been used on occasions to assist the interests of the Australian Labour Government. It was stated, at the time of his appointment, that he in tended to retire from politics shortly “for health reasons,” but had been persuaded to accept the job of Administrator of Norfolk “under pressure.” It is a well-known fact, however, that Mr. Wil son was one of five highly-favoured ap plicants for the Administratorship of New Guinea. Three of the others were generals.

It would be interesting to know what special qualifications Mr. Wilson has for this job. He is a man of notable ability; but no one has heard of him in connec tion with administration, Islands or otherwise. Although no doubt Norfolk Island will benefit Mr. Wilson’s health, it remains to be seen whether Mr. Wilson, with his background and training, is go ing to be of very much benefit to Nor folk.

However, General Sir Charles Rosen thal suffered the same disabilities when he went to NI. But he applied himself to the work with great energy and shrewd commonsense, and despite wartime handicaps—he probably can be described as the most successful Administrator the little NI communitv has ever known.