Administrator Visits Sepik

River

From a Special Correspondent

Angoram, Nov. 20.

ACCIDENTS delayed the arrival of the Administrator (Col. J. K. Murray) for some three hours, and so Angoram could enjoy his presence for only IV 2 hours. He could take only a few samples of the many very tasteful delicacies the ladies had prepared for lunch, in the decorated clubroom.

After a “blitz dflive” (to the white settlement and hospital, His Honour met the white population (about 25) and had a chat with them. Then he ascended the open-air dais to'address the natives. With him were the District Officer and Medical Officer of Wewak; the ADO of Angoram; Capt. Grimshaw; and the Medical Assistant.

In his speech to the natives His Honour emphasised three points, as follows: — • He warned them to look better after their womenfolk, and to take more care of their babies. The death rate among the Sepik babies is 50%, and more—they must improve on that or die out. • The second point referred to the Government’s intention to give the natives a greater share in the Admini stration. But, he said, they must prepare themselves for this by “going to school”.

A mere nibbling at education was not sufficient: a thorough schooling is needed.

The parents should see that the children stayed on at school. • The third point was again a warning.

The Government could not go on spend ing lavishly the Australian taxpayers’ money on the natives. They would have to plant and to work so as to get money for amenities.

Immediately after his address His Honour took off by plane.