The Month In

Moresby

LOCAL discontent has obviously not been communicated to the pre-natal world, for the birth-rate is still rapidly accelerating. The hospital is now running a weekly welfare clinic to care for new arrivals. * * * THOSE who returned to the Territory in the early days of the Provisional Administration are now due for leave.

The large exodus from the Territory of recent weeks includes Mr. Stan Willis, well-known Moresby identity; Mr. W.

Cottrell-Dormer, Director of Agriculture; Mr. W. R. Humphries, Director of Native Labour: and Mr. A. E. Watkins, Resident Magistrate. * * * IF resignations are any guide, all does not seem well with local ABC Station 9PA. Earlier this year two an nouncers left to join the Administration; soon after, Announcer Bob Smith fol lowed suit. The latest to leave is the news-roundsman, Mr. A. McCormack. * * * MORESBY’S Administrative offices are buzzing with speculation about the future of the Territories.

The recent extension of Colonel J. K.

Murray’s term “for a period of twelve months, or until such time as the Papua- New Guinea Act is no longer in force,” does not give any indication as to future policy. Some, however, interpret it as an indication that the provision of a per manent administration is in the offing others point out that it implies a possibility that such a move may not occur for twelve months or more.

But whenever the move is made, it is now widely accepted that there will be a combined administration. A mere handful of the old diehards, who still hope for separation and a return to the good old days,” think otherwise.

Our tip is for a combined administra tion—soon! * • * POLICEMEN are rated highly in the present Adiministration. A recent advertisement offered to police officers a minimum salary of £438, plus cost of living, plus free uniforms. And the most junior European policeman may now command the proud title of Assist ant Sub-Inspector.

Mere clerks in Government service, however, must start on £372, and Patrol- Officers move to £4OB on qualifying at the end of two years. Under present con ditions and cost of living, no one would suggest that the policemen are over- Sf lc lh in comparing salary ranges it be said that they are over- T !? e or * ly Qualifications mentioned in the advertisement are service in the permanent army, navy or fire brigade.

These are considered “desirable.” * * * VACANCIES for 20 Native Labour In spectors were also advertised re cently. The salary range for a NLI is £642-714, which is similar to that of an ADO. or a District Education, Forestry or Agricultural Officer. as specified in the gazette * * * THE Administrator and a party of officials were to visit Manus, New Ireland and the north-western islands in early November, but Colonel Murray was confined to bed, under medical orders. Mr. J. H. Jones, Acting Director of District Services and Native Affairs, made the trip instead, and was appointed a Deputy of the Administrator

for the purpose. Dr. J. T. Gunther, Director of Public Health, also went on this inspection. * * * ON “Cup Night,” the Royal Papuan Constabulary Band and the Pore prena Choir gave a concert, in aid of the Red Cross, at the RSL club rooms, Ela Beach. The evening was successful and the performance of a high standard.

It was /noticeable, however, that few of the residents of Konedobu attended; with daily parades at all hours, even the most ardent lovers of brass among them have recently had a surfeit. * * * ON November 6, a group of people who styled themselves the “Barnacles,” assembled at the RSL club to “chin over” old times. To qualify for admission one had to have been in Moresby twenty years ago. The evening brought many

old-timers together—none of the ladies seemed to mind revealing their twenty years’ residence in the Territory.

Mr. and Mrs. N. Whitely, of New Guinea, were staying at the Bellevue Hotel, Brisbane, during November.