Natives Should Work Out
p. 22 · Read in the full issue
Their Own Salvation
Letter to the Editor HAVING spent over 40 years in dif ferent groups of the South Sea Islands,, I could not help smiling when I read some recent articles about native welfare and their future.
These so-called “poor natives” have been, unfortunately, so overprotected and spoiled that they cannot now realise that their salvation lies in their own hands— not in moaning and complaining, but in guts and work.
Not only is a native bom apathetic and lazy, but he will be taught by tribal custom that work is a shameful thing.
All abhor effort.
Their brains work more cunningly than cleverly. They should be reminded more often that there is an inexorable natural law: Survival of the fittest.
Many former races have disappeared from this earth, with no loss to the universe.
I am, etc.,
“Abc”
New Hebrides, May 5, 1948.
The marriage of Miss Shirley Saltz man, of Brisbane, to Mr. Ron. McConnon will take place at the end of June, 1948.
They will live in Wau, New Guinea, where Mr. McConnon is engaged in gold mining.