Marching Rule

Leaders

On Trial In BSI

From Our Own Correspondent

Honiara, Oct. 29.

rE Marching Rule movement, which recently sent the overseas Press into such a hysteria of false reports, is now somewhat disillusioned as it watches its arrested keymen being sentenced here by the High Commissioner’s Court for illegal practices. Sentences have so far ranged up to two years’ imprisonment.

The real leaders have not yet come up for trial.

Thirty-five prisoners, gathered-in dur ing unopposed mass arrests since late in August, have been tried not, as the Judicial Commission emphasises, as mem bers of the movement called Marching Rule, but for breaking the law by setting up illegal courts and imprisoning and fining other natives.

Many arrests were made on complaints preferred by Solomon Islanders.

Originating among the traditional trouble-makers, the Malaitans, Marching Rule was originally out for better condi tions aims recognised as legitimate by the BSIP Government. But it speedily developed into a racket, with “boss” men victimising non-adherents and extorting money and labour, in some cases threat ening death.

Marching Rule illegal “ courts have attempted to displace Government-spon sored native courts presided over by dis trict headmen appointed by Government in consultation with local natives, who deal with minor offences and offences against native customary law.