Post-War Rabaul

Chinese Traders

No Oppression in Tahiti

fTIHERE was indignation in Tahiti in J. December when the French Radio at Brazzaville broadcast to the world a report that the Chinese of Tahiti were being oppressed.

It was stated that M. Wong Jen, des cribed as a representative of the Chinese in Tahiti, had demanded of the Nanking Government that it make representations to the Government of France, seeking some modification of the harsh laws under which the Tahiti Chinese were suffering. Wong Jen had said that re strictions had been placed upon Chinese traders, and they had no serious protec tion of their lives and welfare.

The Chinese Consul-General in Papeete immediately stated that he had never heard of M. Wong Jen and knew noth ing of any correspondence with the Nan king Government. He told the Governor of French Oceania that the Brazzaville statement was not in conformity with his reports.

The Chinese traders in Tahiti always have enjbved complete liberty in com merce. Of the 1,359 trading licenses issued in the Territory, 583 are held by Chinese. The latter enjoy, in common with all the citizens of French Oceania, fll the benefits of all the laws in force in the Territory—there is no discrimin ation.

The recent census shows that there are now 6,385 Chinese in French Oceania —they have increased nearly 50 per cent, in 10 years.

The Miseries of

Post-War Rabaul

Rabaul, Mar. 28.

rERE are a lot of sick people here, and I think it is due to the scarcity of supplies. We have done every thing we can to get the authorities to arrange some kind of relief; but the Port Moresby administration seems not inter ested. There are 1.500 people in Moresby —1 100 of them public servants—and they just about take'up most of the shipping facilities that are available.

Rabaul has about half that number of Europeans: but our Asiatic population is about pre-war level. Rabaul is a very busy place now, when you take into con sideration the trading carried on by European and Chinese population.

We still have no water supply, no sani tation system, and little of anything that makes life worth-while.

There is no excuse for the lack of water. There is a very large supply avail able within half a mile of the town, with miles of suitable piping, and sufficient Japanese labour available to put the whole thing into operation in a month.

Unfortunately, no one appears to have the necessary authority to do these things.

Inquiry at the restrict Office only brings forth the explanation that the Ad ministration is not concerned with the supply of water to the public. The Ad ministration has enough to do. with the vehicles at its disposal, to keep the public service supplied.

The Japanese erected a huge cement dam on the outskirts of Rabaul, in such a position that, with piping, water would gravitate to anv nart of the town. This is full, and overflowing; but the - roads have fallen into such a state that it is a costly business to try and cart water from the dam—most of it is upset in transit.

And. sneaking of transportation I am reminded' that there is still no benzine in this town.