Magazine Section

Territories Talk-Talk

By "Tolala"

TARONGA ZOO recently imported some birds-of-paradise, some parrots and a monkey from New Guinea. Under special licence, of course. I wonder whether they will have better luck with the BOP than the Department of Agriculture in Rabaul when it started its aviary in the Botanic Gardens there some years ago. BOP don’t like captivity and most of them die shortly after being caged.

Many people, who read of the monkey’s arrival would no doubt get the idea it is indigenous to New Guinea, which, of course, it is not. As a matter of fact, hundreds of monkeys were introduced by the Japs from Malaya during the war, and these escaped into the bush. Most of them perished. In New Guinea monkeys have been a prohibited import ever since the German days, because of the damage they do to the coconuts. * ♦ ♦ SPEAKING of BOP and their plumes, a Sydney woman recently hit the news by wearing a plume in her hat.

After a photo showing her wearing the headgear at the races, appeared in the Press, Customs snoopers tracked her down and confiscated the hat. BOP plumes are prohibited in Australia, and in many other countries, as a result of the fuss made years ago by bird-loving societies.

It is a pity the ban is not lifted and the BOP trade allowed to flourish once again, thus adding to the Territory’s revenue and the settler’s income at a time when con ditions are so grim. * ♦ ♦ CLIVE BREWSTER’S tragic death, as a result of an accident in Delhi, will be regretted by a host of friends in many parts of the Pacific.

This is not the first tragedy to assail Islands personalities: Harry Darby, of Edie Creek fame, was killed some years ago in India under similar cir cumstances. (See page 25.) * * * RABAUL reports state that Customs in that port are having a busy time checking on illicit stills which manufacture local “plonk.” Chinese, who were Jap POWs, appear the greatest offenders.

There can be little wonder at such activities when it is remembered how extensively plonk-making was carried on by the Japs during their occupation of the Territory. Potent jungle-juice was made from pawpaws, kaukau, bananas, tapioca, coconut spathes and rice. Chinese were not the only ones to contract the habit, and Customs officers will probably be working over

time locating native stills amongst the more sophisticated village lads — and their name is Legion.

In pre-war years, the good old betel nut sufficed to provide the NG native with the necessary stimulant when required. But Time Marches On. So betel-nut has to take a back seat these days, in favour of “plonk.” * * * HUGE sums, running into millions of pounds, are mentioned as being ear-marked for war damage compensation to NG natives. This will naturally complicate the present complex labour situation more than ever. Claims have been rolling in in no uncertain manner and the old Territorian milch-cow will have her teats well pulled.

Compensation for Brown Brother is to be based on replacement values and not on values as at January 1, 1942, as is laid down for European claim ants. The War Damage Commission, so I am told, doesn’t come into the picture at all.

There is a story going around to illustrate the financial position of New Guinea natives. One day a European noticed a village belle rolling a cigar ette in a dollar bill. He remonstrated with her, pointing out the value of paper money.

Tossing her head in the inimitable “mary” fashion, she replied: “Me savvee, Masta. Das all ’e no got nother fella paper belong simoke.” * * * AND that, apparently goes for the present general set-up in NG (as in other parts of the world) : Plenty of money, but nothing to snend it on. Dollar bills cannot re place a good sheet of newspaper for cigarette making, nor can yau make a stew out of five-pound notes or sweeten your tea with two-bob pieces.

Oh, for the good old days of Turkey red calico. Kelly axes and sixteen-inch knives with a ring in their steel!

Would-be-traders are tooth-combing Sydney and other capital cities in a vain endeavour to collect suitable lines for sale in NG. And that’s a tough job. * * * WAR Damage Commission appar ently works on the old adage: “Better late ithan Never.” Additional clauses which have now been inserted in the National Security (War Damage to Property) Regs, covering arbitra tion. provide for the appointment of an arbitrator where the claimant is dissatisfied with the Commission’s assessment, and if the Commission or claimant don’t agree upon a single arbitrator then two may be appointed, nominated by both parties. And. finally, if the 'two arbitrators cannot agree, then an umpire will be ap pointed by the Treasurer. These arbitration clauses came into effect on December 5, 1946. As I said: “Better

late than never.” But it’s rough on the dissatisfied claimants who did not have the advantage of this considera tion. * * * BURNS, PHIL? (South Seas) Co., are waiting to see which way the cat jumps before taking any action re garding capital reduction, which was mooted at last year’s annual meeting.

Matters relating to Trusteeships and South Pacific Commissions require clarifying before the company is pre pared to make its final decisions on the capital question. Profits were up on last year’s trading, due mostly to increased prices for Islands produce paid by British and French govern ments. (See Next Page)

Mr. Robert Butler, Us Ambas

sador to Australia, flew to Washington last month for a talk with President Truman and to go into a huddle with the State Department over Australian and Pacific affairs, including the South Pacific Commis sion set-up. The US Government, signed the agreement, in Canberra last February, but it still has to be ratified.

In a talk to the Australian Society in New York, Mr. Butler referred to the SPC agreement as laying the foundation of a New Deal for the native races. “It is in a very real sense proof of our awakening interest and our moral obligation towards de pendent peoples,” quoth the Ambas sador.

That “dependent people” phrase is becoming slightly overworked. The further you go away from the Islands the more “dependent” the people appear to be. It is only when you get right in amongst them you realise how independent they actually are. * * * BITS AND PIECES: Bert Halls, one time NSW Youth Education Supervisor for the ABC. has gone to Port Moresby as programme director for 9 PA . . . Mrs. Millicent Jewell, popular Papuan hostess, left last month by Qantas flying-boat for Eng land . . . Les. Corbett, well-known Rabaul identity, has walked across Mango Avenue and joined the Colyer, Watson interests in Rabaul . . .

Father Lebel. of Buka, is due for leave which he will spend in flying to the US and visiting his folks there.

Father McConville will carry on at Haheila during his absence.