Territorians May Return,

Now

But at Own Risk

From Our Own Correspondent

Canberra, May 24.

ALTHOUGH the Federal Government has suddenly developed an almost paternal interest in former New Guinea residents who wish to return to the Islands, they are handling applica tions for permits with extreme caution.

Each applicant (and there have been over 1,000 to date) seeking a permit to re-enter the Territory, is told he should “volunteer” a statement assuming respon

sibility for his own transport, accommo dation and supplies while in the Terri tory.

Applicants not desperate enough to volunteer the statement find some dif ficulty in getting permits.

The Provisional Administration is still seeking officers for different posts in the Islands. Most of the jobs offering are for clerks, medical men, patrol and forestry officers.

Ed. Note: This is one way of passing the buck. Individualism (if not private enterprise) is now graciously permitted to find its own way out of the chaos created by Government control. But it is doubt ful if even this added responsibility will deter Territorians, who have more than “had” Australia, from returning home.