Mr. Ward Reconsiders ?

Letter to the Editor rERE are certain small indications that Mr. Ward, who formerly has tried to run the New Guinea terri tories on theory, is beginning to see some light.

In an informal chat with a woman member of the Pacific Islands Society, after his talk there on October 28, he said that he had only recently begun to realise what a large part women had played in the life and work of the Ter ritories and he expressed admiration at what he had learned of the way some of them had run their own plantations, mines and businesses there in primitive conditions.

He said that as soon as shipping was available and food supplies were depend able in the Territory, he would see to it that women were permitted to return to their homes and properties. In this way he felt that the Territories would be assisted to return quicker to normal.

It will be remembered perhaps that over 12 months ago, when women mis sionaries were permitted to return to Papua, it was pointed out by the PTA that the best way of showing the natives that the war was over in Papua was to allow planters’ wives to return.

I am. etc.,

“Territorian.”

Sydney, 8/12/45.