Hopefully

Territorians Await Mr. Ward— Hopefully

From Our Own Correspondent

Port Moresby, Jan. 4.

WE now await Mr. Ward, whose “in vestigations” may perhaps bring with them a happier New Year.

Some of the Minister’s critics have painted exaggerated pictures of the local situation, but there is much that may still call forth his sympathy, and those with cases to present are busily docu menting them.

We can only hope he will listen to the arguments of the locals with at least an open ear. Rumour has it that public servants are to be given a rise before he arrives, which, if true, is a hopeful sign for others.

The best thing the Minister could do to assess the true state of affairs in post war New Guinea is to look deep into the people’s eyes; there he will see sure signs of undue nervous tension, which may perhaps be the common heritage of most people in the post-war world, but which has been aggravated by additional frus trations in Papua-New Guinea.

Here’s hoping!