"New Order in Papua"

Miine Bay Trader Disagrees With Mr. Ethel!

Letter to the Editor.

HAVING read an article, “The New Order in Papua,” by Arthur L.

Ethell, in your April issue, and be ing a trader and planter in the area mentioned, I was moved to wrath, but after re-reading it my sense of humour came to the fore, even to the extent of thinking a more appropriate title to be “Arthur in Blunderland.” In criticism of this article, my views are as follows: — Education.—To my mind, as far as the natives are concerned, education is essential if Papua is eventually to become self-governing. Obviously, this will not be in our time; but is it not the right of peoples to govern themselves one of the things for which we fought? There fore, Mr. Ethell’s views savour of the out look of the Middle Ages, when education was denied the masses on the grounds that they might learn too much.

Building in Milne Bay.—This project started well on paper, but the acting ADO, Milne Bay, failed to complete this plan because he underestimated the quantity of material required to rebuild the native villages. As a result, when the supplies commenced to dwindle, the native enthusiasm dwindled in a like ratio. They had been promised enough material to complete their houses, but though some got sufficient to finish their homes, others were left unfinished be cause of lack of the necessary timber.

The boast that Mr. Ethell has practically rebuilt Milne Bay is classed by myself and other residents of the area as “to day’s funny story.” A rebuilt Milne Bay is still a dream.

Villages which had gone ahead have been rebuilt owing to the work and plans of certain native leaders, who could not have carried this out except for the train ing and education which Mr. Ethell dis parages.

Trade Stores.—Mr. Ethell makes some very scathing and almost libellous state ments with regard to white traders in the area. I have discussed the article with some of the local traders and I, person ally, challenge Mr. Ethell to substantiate his statements or else make an apology.

After all, if Mr. Ethell has had any busi ness dealings at all he should realise that the recognised average margin of profit is 33 1-3 per cent, on the landed cost of an article. Does a profit of £4 on a £l3 caddy of tobacco appear exorbitant to people other than Mr. Ethell, bearing in mind that £l3 is not the landed cost at the store?

I am. etc.,

Nevil A. Brett Young.

Milne Bay, Papua, 3 6 47.