Challenge to Australia's Socialist Planners

Eurasian Eyes On New Guinea

rjTHE Eurasians of South-east Asia, of A whom there are a very large num ber, are now seeking permission of the Australian Government to organise settlement on a considerable scale in Aus tralian New Guinea. The matter is under consideration by the Australian Govern ment.

During 1947, a movement was started among Dutch Eurasians for the settle ment of a Eurasian colony in Dutch New Guinea. The plan went a considerable distance, and Dutch Eurasians called on Eurasians generally to support it. Some 400 Eurasians in Singapore district got ready to migrate—some even gave up their jobs. But the Dutch authorities in tervened and announced that, quite apart from Eurasian ambitions, Dutch New Guinea was not ready for such a plan; and the plan collapsed.

The Eurasians then turned their atten tion to the rich uplands of Central New Guinea, which are more suitable than the more primitive western (or Dutch) end of the great island to be the Eurasians’ national home.

It is not expected that Australia will

approve the plan, although there is much to be said in its favour.

THE possibilities of New Guinea main land are getting increased attention.

It was urged, last year, that the great island should be thrown open to Japanese immigrants. Australian dis approval was loudly expressed.

New Guinea is capable of carrying a very much larger population than its pre sent total of a million and a quarter primitive Melanesians. It cannot remain empty, while one thousand millions of people surge around in overcrowded South east Asia.

Yet, apart from a few fumbling plans for the training and encouragement of Fuzzy-wuzzy, Australia seems to have no policy for the settlement and develop ment of New Guinea (with which are necessarily associated the big islands of New Britain, New Ireland and Bougain ville).

The Methodist Mission Board is appeal ing for nursing and teaching staff for stations in Papua.