Canberra Rules

Natives Do Not Like Canberra Rules

From a Special Correspondent

Rabaul. Dec. 19.

JfJIHE Administration at present appears JL to be trying to enforce the regula tion which says that a native cannot work more than 25 miles from his village unless he is indentured.

This is a matter that Colonel Allan, in November, took up with Mr. Chifley and Mr. Ward, when he pointed out that the effect of this rule was to nullify the ex pressed intention of the Government that a native should be free to work where he likes.

In this case, New Ireland boys have come over here looking for work and the higher wages obtaining here. The Admin istration, through Mr. Harold Strong, native labour inspector, is trying to stop the natives leaving New Ireland, which has been closed for recruiting. Recruit ing, of course, means soliciting a boy to work under indenture.

The natives are standing up to the Ad ministration, and state that they wish to work as casuals, or day labourers, in Rabaul, and that they will not work in Kavieng.

This is still another case of Adminis tration interference with commerce, and with the freedom of the natives. By their action, they seek to prevent natives work ing, other than for the Administration and it would seem from this that the New Order does not promise much for the native—it is in line with the present day tendency to regimentation. The native is told what he will do, and where, and is not consulted.

In the meantime, the planters, traders and natives are carrying on, trying to keep things going under great difficulties.

The position here has worsened again, as there is no petrol—and there will not be any until the end of December or early in the New Year.